Why Is Thidiazuron a Key Plant Growth Regulator in Agriculture?
Technical Introduction
Thidiazuron (TDZ, chemical formula C₉H₈N₄OS) is a synthetic phenylurea-type cytokinin widely used in agriculture and plant tissue culture.
It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with low water solubility but good stability under normal storage conditions.
TDZ was originally developed as a cotton defoliant but has since become a critical tool for promoting shoot regeneration and enhancing plant morphogenesis in horticulture and biotechnology.
Its unique mode of action involves stimulating cell division and differentiation, similar to natural cytokinins, but with much greater stability and longer-lasting effects.
Applications
1. Agriculture
Cotton Defoliation: Promotes leaf abscission to facilitate mechanical harvesting.
Fruit Tree Dormancy Breaking: Applied to certain fruit crops to enhance bud break and uniform flowering.
2. Plant Tissue Culture
Induces callus formation and shoot regeneration in a variety of plant species.
Frequently used in micropropagation protocols for ornamental, fruit, and forestry species.
3. Research Tool
Studied for its role in hormonal signaling pathways in plants.
Advantages
Highly Potent: Effective at very low concentrations compared to other cytokinins.
Stable: Long shelf life and stable under normal agricultural storage conditions.
Broad Spectrum: Works across multiple plant species and tissue culture systems.
Typical Parameters
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₉H₈N₄OS |
| Molecular Weight | 220.25 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Purity (%) | ≥98.0 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 210–213 |
| Solubility | Low in water; soluble in DMF, DMSO, acetone |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place away from light |
| Shelf Life | 24–36 months |
FAQs
Q1: Is thidiazuron toxic to humans?
A1: It has low acute toxicity but can cause mild irritation to eyes and skin; handle with protective equipment.
Q2: Can TDZ be used on all crops?
A2: No. Its application is crop-specific and dosage-dependent to avoid phytotoxicity.
Q3: How does it compare to natural cytokinins?
A3: TDZ is more stable, effective at lower doses, and often produces stronger physiological responses.
Q4: Does it require mixing with other growth regulators?
A4: In tissue culture, it can be used alone or in combination with auxins to optimize regeneration.
Q5: Is it environmentally persistent?
A5: TDZ is relatively stable in the environment but breaks down over time under sunlight and microbial activity.
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