Possibilities and Limitations of a Method for Assaying Natural Auxins and Growth Inhibitors in Plants

Abstract : Some characteristics of the extraction of growth stimulants and related pigments from plant material, using ether and other solvents, are discussed. It is observed that the extractability of indolylacetic acid (IAA) from disintegrated tissue depends on the moisture content of the sample and on its ability to combine with polymeric compounds. Limitations for the use of toluene for purifying growth stimulant extracts from pigments and lipids are established. The different stages of the analysis of growth stimulants are reviewed.