Ethylene‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis occurs via AtrbohF‐mediated hydrogen peroxide synthesis

Ethylene is a plant hormone that regulates many aspects of growth and development. Despite the well-known association between ethylene and stress signalling, its effects on stomatal movements are largely unexplored. Here, genetic and physiological data are provided that position ethylene into the Arabidopsis guard cell signalling network, and demonstrate a functional link between ethylene and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). In wild-type leaves, ethylene induces stomatal closure that is dependent on H(2)O(2) production in guard cells, generated by the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase AtrbohF. Ethylene-induced closure is inhibited by the ethylene antagonists 1-MCP and silver.…