Prof. Li Qingjun and his research team conducted a study to examine the effects of auxin and auxin transport inhibitors on the style curvature movements of three Alpinia species (Alpinia platychilus K. Schumann, A. blepharocalyx K. Schumann, and A. mutica Roxb.).Their experimental aims were to examine the effects of exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on the movement in the two morphs, and the effects of auxin transport inhibitors on the movement at different developmental stages.

In addition, because light controls the second curvature of the ana-morph, they assessed the effects of light when styles were treated with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).

Their research results indicated that auxin played a role in the style curvature of Alpinia. Light controlled the style curvature of ana-morph. In the style curvature of Alpinia, it is possible that light acts as a “switch” allowing auxin action. Auxin transport was involved in the style curvature. Auxin distribution in styles may be similar in the two morphs before the first curvature, with the adaxial side of the styles having more auxin than the abaxial side. The effects of auxin and auxin transport on the style curvature of two morphs were different, and the mechanisms conferring these distinct actions require further research.

　 The study entitled “Effects of indole-3-acetic acid and auxin transport inhibitors on the style curvature of three Alpinia species (Zingiberaceae)” has been published in Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 34 (5): 2019-2025, DOI: 10.1007/s11738-012-0955-5