Physiological and Chemical Responses of Bean and Tomato Plants to Alpha Naphthalene Acetamide and Phenylacetic Acid

Abstract

1. Alpha naphthalene acetamide when applied in the nutrient solution results in less top growth and increased root growth of Red Kidney bean plant. 2. Relative percentage contents of calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen in the bean plant are increased by the presence of naphthalene acetamide in the nutrient solution. 3. The xylem and phloem mature earlier and are more extensive in the roots of bean plants treated with naphthalene acetamide in the nutrient solution. 4. Spraying the tops of bean plants with naphthalene acetamide did not result in increase of calcium or phosphorus content in the top leaves or stems, or result in increased dry weight of the plants. 5. Phenylacetic acid when supplied in the nutrient solution to bean plants did not significantly increase the total dry weight. 6. Phenylacetic acid when supplied in the nutrient solution to Bonny Best tomato may increase top and root growth in young plants. The evidence, however, is not conclusive.