Cambistat interrupts the isoprenoid pathway whose normal end result
produces gibberellic acid. Cambistat reduces the production of Gibberellic
acid. It is important to note that it does not break down existing
Gibberellins that already exist in the tree. The left over base substrates
that would have become Gibberellins are then shunted to other uses.
These substrates are the same substrates that are the basis of the
molecules that form Abscisic
Acid and Chlorophyll.
This causes both of these important compounds to increase. Abscisic
acid stimulates the tree to produce fibrous roots, thicker leaves
and more defense compounds. The enhanced chlorophyll content results
in darker green leaves.
The Science of Growth Control
Gibberellic Acid
Gibberellic acid is the plant hormone that is responsible for woody
cell enlargement and elongation. It is produced through a series
of reactions in the Isoprenoid Pathway. A lone electron pair on
a nitrogen atom at the edge of the paclobutrazol molecule interacts
with the central iron atom of the plant enzyme kaurene oxidase.
This interaction blocks a key step in the formation of gibberellin.
When gibberellin formation is inhibited, the plant responds with
a reduction in woody
vegetative growth.
Energy Re-Allocation
Carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis support all metabolic processes
of life, and allocation of this limited resource is very important.
Energy not spent on vegetative growth is available for other uses
such as:
