Author
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MCGIFFEN, MILTON - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA |
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Manthey, John |
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Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: The controversy surrounding the use of methanol as a plant growth enhancer is reviewed. Discussions are provided of the use of compounds such as methanol by other organisms found in nature. A review of the studies of the use of methanol and related compounds by plants is given, and possible means of methanol use in higher plants is discussed. A review of the current findings concerning the effects of methanol application to plants shows that the benefits of methanol use in conventional agriculture is doubtful. Technical Abstract: Controversy exists concerning the efficacy of methanol as a plant growth promotor. While the effects of methanol on plants is unclear, the use of methanol as a one carbon substrate is widespread in nature. The metabolism of methanol by methylotrophic bacteria and yeast is discussed, and compared to what is known of similar methanol use by plants. The conflicting reports of the effects of methanol on plants are summarized. Additional research on the biochemistry and physiology of methanol metabolism in plants is clearly needed. |
