Physiological Activities of Zeanic Acid,a New Plant-growth Promotor from Corn Steep Liquor

Increase in fruit set of grape was observed when vines were sprayed with zeanic acid before blossom, but when sprayed after blossom the effect was not clear.

Promotion of growth of radish cotyledons by zeanic acid was observed in the presence and absence of kinetin. Zeanic acid also promoted growth of dwarf mutant of rice seedlings (cv. Tanginbozu), but inhibited that of normal seedlings (cv. Tonewase). Zeanic acid showed promotive effect on proliferation of rice callus tissue in the absence of kinetin and auxin.

Zeanic acid showed low toxic activity against mice, earthworm and killifish, and no antimicrobial activity.