Stimulation of plant growth by low concentration of napropamide

Abstract

This study demonstrates that the pre-emergence herbicide napropamide will enhance plant growth when applied at very low concentrations. Stimulation of shoot elongation, fresh weight, and dry weight was observed when seeds of wheat, corn, raddish, and soybean were soaked in very dilute solutions of napropamide for 6 hr. Biomass synthesis by Red Kidney bean was dramatically increased by 10 μm napropamide, a 24.3% increase in fresh weight and a 76% increase in dry weight being observed. It is apparent that napropamide should be listed with those herbicides that have exhibited growth regulator properties.