The influence of several cations and anions on penetration of 2,4-D into leaves of bean plants was studied by measurement of growth responses. In the absence of other cations, the rate of absorption was dependent upon the hydrogen-ion concentration, in accord with the findings of earlier investigators. However, at neutral or alkaline pH values, the response was found to be influenced markedly by certain cations. Thus, ammonium and ethanolammonium ions, supplied either as salts of 2,4-D or as buffer cations, in alkaline solutions induced responses approaching those observed with acid solutions. On the other hand, sodium and potassium ions did not manifest this property. The cation effect was influenced to some extent also by certain anions and surfactants.
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Orgell et al. (1957) studied this question.