RHIZOME-INDUCTION ACTIVITY OF CHIRAL 2-ALPHA-METHYLBENZYLAMINO-4-ALKYLAMINO-6-CHLORO-1,3,5-TRIAZINES IN CYPERUS-SEROTINUS ROTTB

A cytokinin-like effect of chiral 2-a-methylbenzylamino-4-alkylamino-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazines was found using a rhizome-inducing assay with Cyperus serotinus Rottb. tubers. C. serotinus tubers germinated in distilled water yielded plantlets with roots and leaves. Secondary rhizomes were normally not observed within the regular 14-day incubation time in water culture, whereas after increasing incubation periods a very short rhizome appeared (controls). 6-Benzylaminopurine (BA) significantly stimulated rhizome induction, while other plant hormones were inactive. The (R)-isomers of the 1,3,5-triazine compounds also stimulated induction of the rhizomes, whereas the (S)-isomers did not. The described rhizome induction system seems to be suitable as a cytokinin bioassay. The (R)-1,3,5-triazine compounds showing rhizome-inducing activity (RI activity) inhibited root formation and plant growth at high concentrations with symptoms which were very similar to those of BA. Therefore, the (R)-isomers appear to act as cytokinins in the rhizome induction assay.