N-Malonyl-d-tryptophan in Apple Fruits Treated with Succinic Acid 2,2-Dimethylhydrazide.

Fruit from Red Delicious apple trees treated with the growth retardant succinic acid 2,2-dimethylhydrazide contained more N-malonyl-d-tryptophan than control fruit. When succinic acid 2,2-dimethylhydrazide and tryptophan were injected into immature fruits, more N-methyl-d-tryptophan was produced than when dl-tryptophan was injected alone. Our results suggest that succinic acid 2,2-dimethylhydrazide may control fruit and vegetative growth by interfering with auxin production.