Effect of Malformin on the Growth, Development, and Behavior of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The growth, development, and behavior of Phaseolus vulgaris or P. coccineus, malformed by treatment with malformin, were compared with those of control plants. Although growth of the first compound leaf of P. vulgaris was severely inhibited on treated plants, growth of subsequent leaves was more rapid than that on control plants. Time to first flowering, total number of flowers, and fruit yield were not altered, but the initial rate of flower formation was more rapid on treated than on control plants. Abscission of simple and first compound leaves was accelerated on treated plants. The ability to form adventitious roots below malformed areas of P. vulgaris decreased 4 days after treatment The number and fresh weight of adventitious roots which developed from malformed internodes of P. coccineus cuttings were considerably greater than those from cuttings of control plants. Lateral shoot growth was more rapid below treated internodes of P. vulgaris than below control internodes. Acropetal translocation thro...