Effect of Structure and Concentration of Some Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on Growth of Cucumber Seedlings

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Abstract
1. Seeds of Marketer cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) were placed in Petri dishes on filter paper previously saturated with distilled water or an aqueous solution containing a quaternary ammonium compound. The lengths of the radicle and hypocotyl were measured after 4-5 days at 24⚬ C. 2. Amo-1618 (2-isopropyl-4-dimethylamino-5-methylphenyl-1-piperidine carboxylate methyl chloride) and its related five-membered structures retarded growth in light or dark. A low concentration (3 x 10-6 M) slightly stimulated extension of the hypocotyl in light but not in dark. Higher concentrations retarded growth without toxicity. 3. Carbamates with one or two phenyl or butyl substitutions were inhibitory to radicle and hypocotyl extension. 4. Dimethyl carbamates and six-membered-ring carbamates with an oxygen substitution (Morpholine) retarded slightly the extension of hypocotyls but either had no effect on elongation of the radicles or stimulated it. 5. The theoretical significance of the results is discussed.