Changes in Rooting Factors During Regeneration of Roots By Treatment with Ethrel and Acetylene

Marked promotion of rooting by using ethylene (from ethrel) and acetylene (from calcium carbide) was noted in cuttings of Tagetes patula var. Red Brocade and ethylene proved more effective than acetylene. Marked inhibition of straight growth of wheat coleoptile was recorded in the chromatogram between Rf 0.6 and 0.8 and it was more pronounced due to ethrel treatment, compared to acetylene and control. The elutes of the chromatograms also clearly revealed higher concentration of rooting factor/s particularly at Rf between 0.6 and 0.8. Endogenous rooting factors as evident from the root number in mung bean cutting were also recorded in greater concentration due to the treatment with ethrel. In this species of plant, p-hydroxy-benzoic acid and ferulic acid occurred in appreciable concentration at Rf 0.6 to 0.8, and treatment with ethrel and acetylene increased the concentration of p-hydroxyben-zoic acid in the cuttings.