Effects of growth stimulants on the morphological and anatomical characteristics of feed bean plants

Abstract

Oksana Shevchuk, Olesia Tkachuk, Olena Khodanitska*, Stepan Polyvanyi and Oleksandr Matviichuk

Treatment of ‘Pikantni’ feed bean plants at the 10 cm shoot stage with the broad-spectrum growth stimulant Biolane and the semi-synthetic film-forming plant growth regulator N¹-Acetyl-5-Methoxykynuramine (AMK) with antioxidant activity induced significant morphogenetic changes. The agents substantially accelerated the growth of the above-ground biomass, particularly from the branching stage onwards, peaking prior to pod formation. The strongest effects on plant height and the fresh weight of leaves, stems, and roots were observed following Biolane treatment. The treatments promoted taproot elongation and improved leaf mesostructure: an increase in the number of epidermal cells, stomata, their area and the thickness of the leaf blade through the development of chlorenchyma, demonstrating an increase in the crop’s productive capacity.