Metabolism of Maleic Hydrazide in Tea, Camellia sinensis

The results obtained with tea plants treated with 14 C‐maleic hydrazide indicate that tea plants can metabolize maleic hydrazide to some extent. According to autoradiographic studies, two radioactive spots were found on X‐ray films after exposure and development. Based on two‐dimensional paper chromatography, possible ring cleavage, and infrared spectroscopic techniques, the possible metabolic products are lactic acid, succinic acid, maleimide and hydrazine. The biological activity of the metabolic products was tested by utilizing the Avena first internode test. Based on this investigation, it was noted that each radioactive area contained compound(s) that possess(es) some growth promoting properties. However, the results obtained with unknown number one (U 1 ) indicate that it possesses greater growth‐promoting properties than unknown two (U 2 ). finally, the approximate concentrations of U 1 and U 2 were determined by comparison with known concentrations of IAA and in relation to the amount of growth produced during the 19½‐hour period of incubation.