The relationship between the constitution and the effect of chemical compounds on plant growth. 3. Chlorinated benzaldehydes and benzoic acids

Abstract

The effect on germinating rape and wheat of mono-, di- and tri-chloro-benzaldehydes and the corresponding di- and tri-substituted benzoic acids was studied. The highest activity against rape is shown by 2,3,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde, the corresponding acid being somewhat less active. Activity against wheat is also less. The mode of action is discussed, particularly in relation to the possibilities that (a) 2,3,6-trichlorobenzaldehyde may have an auxin-like action, and (b) that the aldehyde may owe its activity to conversion in the plant tissue to the acid.