Thidiazuron

Thidiazuron

Thidiazuron (also known as TDZ) is a plant growth regulator commonly used in plant tissue culture to induce cell division and plant regeneration. It is a non-purine cytokinin that promotes cell differentiation and organogenesis in various plant species.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Thidiazuron is a phenylurea derivative with the chemical formula C9H8N4OS. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and most organic solvents. The compound has a melting point of 210-213°C and a molecular weight of 220.25 g/mol.

Mode of Action

Thidiazuron acts by inhibiting the cytokinin oxidase enzyme, which is responsible for the degradation of natural cytokinins in plants. This results in an increase in the levels of cytokinins, leading to enhanced cell division and plant growth. Thidiazuron also promotes the formation of adventitious shoots and somatic embryos, making it a valuable tool in plant tissue culture and micropropagation.

Applications

Thidiazuron is widely used in the agriculture and horticulture industries. It is used as a defoliant in cotton production, promoting the uniform opening of cotton bolls and facilitating mechanical harvesting. In horticulture, thidiazuron is used to promote flowering and fruit set in various fruit crops. It is also used in plant tissue culture for the induction of somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in a wide range of plant species.

Safety and Environmental Impact

Thidiazuron is classified as a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is subject to regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). It is considered to be moderately toxic to mammals and birds, but highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Thidiazuron is not considered to be a human carcinogen.

See Also

• Plant Growth Regulator
• Cytokinin
• Plant Tissue Culture
• Micropropagation

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