Evaluation of growth-promoting effect of 1-(2-(dodecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride on wheat seedlings

Abstract

Ester-functionalized long-chain pyridinium salt 1-(2-(dodecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride (1b) has been synthesized. The influence of the substance on morpho-physiological traits of wheat seedlings (germination, shoot and root length and biomass, chlorophylls and carotenoids content, as well as flavonoid content) has been studied. The germination of seeds increased after their exposure to water solutions of pyridinium chloride 1b in the concentration range 0.001-0.1%. However, the concentration 0.1% has a negative effect on plant growth leading to reduced growth parameters in shoots and roots, plant mass, as well as pigments content. The exposure of wheat seeds to water solutions of pyridinium salt with lower concentrations (especially at 0.001%) significantly increased shoot and root length, as well as wet green mass in 7-day-old seedlings. At a concentration of 0.01%, the substance caused a significant increase of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids content thus revealing a positive effect on the photosynthetic apparatus of plant leaves. The flavonoid content in a green part of the plants also significantly increased which may indicate activating the plant defense system under mild stress conditions. The high growth-promoting effect of long-chain pyridinium chloride 1b on wheat plants, together with its broad range of antimicrobial activity and biodegradability, makes it an attractive product for various agrochemical applications