Maleic acid hydrazide is an organic compound with the molecular formula C4H4N2O2. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and other polar solvents. Maleic acid hydrazide is commonly used as a plant growth regulator and has various applications in the field of agriculture.
As a growth regulator, maleic acid hydrazide acts by inhibiting the synthesis of gibberellin, a plant hormone involved in cell elongation and growth. By suppressing gibberellin production, maleic acid hydrazide can control vegetative growth of plants and induce various physiological responses. These responses include the inhibition of shoot elongation, retardation of flowering, and promotion of lateral bud development.
Maleic acid hydrazide is widely used in horticulture and agriculture to control the growth of certain crops and enhance their productivity. It is particularly effective in preventing undesirable vegetative growth in potatoes, onions, and other bulbous crops during storage. By inhibiting excessive sprouting, maleic acid hydrazide helps to extend the shelf life of these perishable crops.
Additionally, maleic acid hydrazide is also used as a defoliant, helping to induce leaf and foliage drop in deciduous trees and shrubs. This application is often employed in forestry management practices, such as preparing trees for transplanting or promoting the growth of new shoots.
In summary, maleic acid hydrazide is an organic compound that serves as a plant growth regulator. It is used to control vegetative growth, inhibit sprouting, and induce leaf drop in various agricultural and horticultural applications.
