title: Some aspects of the mode of action and metabolism of orthonil in plants.
abstract: A study of the physiological behaviour of the synthetic compound Orthonil (alpha-chloro-beta-(3-chloro-o-tolyl)-propionitrile revealed a strong auxin activity in higher plants. Otherwise, Orthonil appeared not to be a herbicide-auxin. It is metabolized intensively in plant tissues. Among the identified metabolites, two compounds were detected which also exert a high auxin activity. It is concluded that at least a part of the apparent auxin activity of Orthonil may be due to alpha-(3-chloro-o-tolyl) acetic acid, one metabolite of Orthonil. Although Orthonil strongly stimulates elongation growth, this growth is not accompanied by a stimulated ethylene evolution as is the case with other auxins. A possible metabolic pathway of Orthonil is discussed.
mesh_terms: D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D005030:Ethylenes / Q000378:metabolism; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects; D006540:Herbicides / Q000378:metabolism; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009570:Nitriles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D063245:Plant Development; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D005030:Ethylenes; D006540:Herbicides; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D009570:Nitriles; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; C013632:orthonil; D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid