Relationship between Mefluidide Treatment and Abscisic Acid Metabolism in Chilled Corn Leaves.

Mefluidide, N-(2,4-dimethyl-5[([trifluoromethyl]sulfonyl) amino] phenyl)acetamide, a synthetic plant growth regulator, was capable of triggering an increase in endogenous free abscisic acid content when corn (Zea mays L.) plants were grown in a nonstress, day/night, temperature regime (26 degrees C) with sufficient moisture supply. The relevance of such an abscisic acid increase prior to chilling exposure and the water relations during chilling are discussed in reference to the mefluidide protection of the chilled corn plants.