2-Chloroethyl Trimethylammonium Chloride and Related Compounds as Plant Growth Substances. V. Growth, Flowering, and Fruiting Responses as Related to Those Induced by Auxin and Gibberellin

Abstract

Vegetative and reproductive responses induced in plants or plant parts by 2-chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride or related compounds, gibberellin, and 3-indoleacetic acid indicated that closely related, yet distinct systems, were involved. 2-Chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride suppressed the gibberellin and light induced germination of lettuce seed, vegetative extension of genetically dwarf and normal plants, elongation of plants in light and dark, and flowering of lettuce, a facultative long day plant. With Biloxi soybeans flowering was not affected, but the chemical induced vegetative growth under long days which was equivalent to a short-day photo-periodic inhibition. Elongation of Avena coleoptile sections was suppressed both in the presence and absence of 3-indoleacetic acid. The suppression of the 3-indoleacetic acid response was partially overcome by gibberellin. There was no direct effect of 2-chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride on the growth of tomato ovaries. However, in combination with 10-3 [image] 3-indoleacetic acid and 10-5 [image] gibberellin a synergistic growth rate was induced beyond that which could be ascribed to a 3-indoleacetic acid-gibberellin interaction. The mutually antagonistic effects of 2-chloroethyl trimethylammonium chloride and gibberellin are discussed in light of their contrasts in simulating different light, temperature and photoperiod regimes. Possible modes of action are suggested.