The Effects of Cobalt, Acetates, Ascorbic Acid, and Cholesterol on Growth and Glycoside Biosynthesis in Digitalis purpurea ,

Abstract

Various concentrations of cobalt chloride, ascorbic acid, potassium and sodium acetates, and cholesterol were fed to digitalis plants growing in the field and in hydroponic culture solution under controlled greenhouse conditions. Certain inhibitory growth responses are described following the use of the above‐mentioned compounds. Cobalt chloride in the concentration of 10 p. p. m. produced marked inhibition of total glycoside production. Potassium and sodium acetates in concentrations of 0.4 and 0.2 per cent did not produce any significant effects on the biosynthesis of total glycosides. Ascorbic acid in the concentrations of 20 and 40 p. p. m. and cholesterol in concentrations of 0.5 and 2 per cent stimulated glycoside biosynthesis.