Philip N. Gordon

Halogenated Kojic Acid Derivatives, Related Compounds, and their Physiological Effects on Plant Growth

Kojic acid has a slight stimulatory effect on plant growth as measured by the use of duckweed grown under aseptic conditions on a synthetic liquid medium. It is thought that this stimulation is due to the formation of chelatcs. This presentation is primarily concerned with the effect of various derivatives of kojic acid, particularly halogenated derivatives, on plant growth as measured by this same system. Halogenation of the 2-position results in toxic compounds. Substitution in the 6-position results in compounds with beneficial growth effects. Blockage of the 5-position causes a loss of stimulatory ability, interpreted as a loss of chelating power.