Influence of 2-(3,4 dichlorophenoxy)-triethylamine on photosynthesis of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The effect of foliar sprays of the growth regulator 2-(3,4 dichlorophenoxy)-triethylamine (DCPTA) on net photosynthesis (Pn) by intact bean plants depended upon concentration and the stage of development of the leaves. A single foliar spray of 2.0 mM DCPTA reduced Pn when applied to young expanding leaves but had little effect on fully expanded leaves. Lower DCPTA concentrations (0.2 to 0.8 mM) had no effect on Pn, unless applied more than once which resulted in reduced Pn. The DCPTA-induced inhibition of Pn was associated with chlorosis and aberrations in chloroplast ultrastructure. DCPTA did not affect stomatal resistance. When applied to detached leaf disks in the dark, DCPTA retarded the normal loss of chlorophyll suggesting that DCPTA may have anti-seneseent properties.