Simultaneous High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic Determination of Indole Acetic Acid, Indole Butyric Acid, and Absisic Acid in in vitro Seedling of Watermelon Exposed to Heavy Metals

Abstract

A new method based on the use of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was developed for the simultaneous determination of the plant growth hormones, indole acetic acid, indole butyric acid, and absisic acid in in vitro seedling of watermelon. The measurements were performed at the associate maximum absorption wavelength of hormones. Calibration plots were constructed in the range of 50-600 ng per spot for indole acetic acid, 50-600 ng per spot for indole butyric acid, and 50-600 ng per spot for absisic acid. The limits of quantification (LOQs) determined experimentally were as follows: 10, 10, and 6 ng per spot, respectively, for indole acetic acid, indole butyric acid, and absisic acid. The method was successfully applied to watermelon tissues exposed to Cu2+, Co2+, and Pb2+ for determination of its indole acetic acid, indole butyric acid, and absisic acid concentrations.