Effect of 17-DMC on Phytohormone Level and Growth of Rapeseed Plants (Brassica napus)

The effect of 17-dimethylmorpholinium chloride (17-DMC), a quaternary ammonium salt, on stem growth and productivity of spring rape (Brassica napus L., cv. Star), and on phytohormone content in stem tissues was studied. We found that the effects of 17-DMC on stem growth (inhibition of linear growth, development of anatomical structure and mechanical properties) were manifested as the changes in stem hormonal balance, particularly, in a decrease in the contents of GA, zeatin, and IAA and an increase in the ABA content. Seed weight increased due to the retarding effect of 17-DMC on stem growth and the promotion of silique and seed development.