(2-Chloroethyl) Trimethylammonium Chloride and Related Compounds as Plant Growth Substances. II. Effect on Growth of Wheat

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Abstract
Compounds of the structure (CH3)3N+CH2-CH2X were active as plant growth substances when X was a Cl, Br, or =CH2 group. Solutions of (2-chloroethyl)trimethylammonium chloride, (2-bromoethyl)-trimethylammonium bromide and (2,3-n-propylene)trimethylammonium bromide or chloride were effective on Thatcher wheat from 10-2 to 10-6 M when poured on the soil or used in nutrient culture. The chemicals could be used also by soaking the seeds before planting or by spraying on the leaves of seedlings. The most characteristic growth alterations were shorter and thicker stems, broader and greener leaves, earlier and stronger tillering, and more uniform growth. These alterations in growth occurred without a change in wet or dry weight. The growth changes were similar to those produced by high light intensity and the opposite from those caused by gibberellin. Gibberellin reversed the action of these compounds on growth and they reversed the effect of gibberellin.