Plant Growth Regulator 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid
1. Core Functions of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA
As a high-efficiency synthetic auxin, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA excels in regulating plant growth, with its rooting-promoting effect being the most prominent. It stimulates the formation of adventitious root primordia in plant cuttings and seedlings, accelerates root cell division and elongation, and enhances root system density and vitality—effectively solving the problem of difficult rooting in many economic crops. Beyond rooting, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA also improves fruit setting rate, prevents premature fruit drop, and boosts crop resistance to environmental stress. However, its ability to induce robust root systems remains its key advantage, as strong roots lay the foundation for plant nutrient absorption and overall growth, which is critical for crop yield and quality.
2. Key Rooting Advantages of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA
Compared to other rooting agents, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA offers unique benefits for root development. It has a broad application scope, suitable for both woody and herbaceous plants, and maintains stable activity even under fluctuating temperature conditions—an important feature for regions with variable climates like Ecuador. When applied, it targets the base of cuttings or seedling roots precisely, promoting the growth of lateral roots and fibrous roots without inhibiting shoot growth. Additionally, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA enhances the root system’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, helping plants establish themselves faster in new soil, which is particularly valuable for transplanting scenarios common in Ecuador’s agricultural practices.
3. Application Scenarios in Ecuador
Scenario 1: Rooting of Cut Roses (Ecuador’s Flower Industry)
Ecuador is a global leader in cut rose production, with high-altitude regions (e.g., Cotopaxi) providing cool, mild climates (12-20°C) ideal for rose growth. However, rose cuttings often face slow rooting and low survival rates during propagation. By dipping the base of rose cuttings in a 20-50 ppm solution of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA for 10-15 seconds before planting, growers can accelerate adventitious root formation by 30-50%, increase survival rates to over 90%, and produce cuttings with denser root systems—ensuring robust growth after transplanting to greenhouses.
Scenario 2: Transplanting of Tomato Seedlings (Lowland Tropical Regions)
Ecuador’s coastal lowlands (e.g., Guayas) have a hot, humid tropical climate (25-32°C) with frequent rainfall, which can cause tomato seedlings to suffer from root rot or poor root establishment after transplanting. Before transplanting, soaking tomato seedling roots in a 10-30 ppm 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA solution for 2-3 hours stimulates the growth of new lateral roots. This strengthens the seedling’s root system, improving its resistance to waterlogging and soil-borne diseases, and shortens the transplanting recovery period by 5-7 days—securing early fruiting and higher yields.
Scenario 3: Rooting of Citrus Rootstocks (Subtropical Highlands)
Citrus (e.g., oranges, lemons) is widely grown in Ecuador’s subtropical highlands (e.g., Loja), where temperatures range from 15-25°C. Citrus propagation often relies on rootstocks, but traditional rooting methods are time-consuming. Applying a 30-60 ppm 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA solution via irrigation to citrus rootstock cuttings promotes the development of a strong taproot and fibrous root network. This not only speeds up rooting by 2-3 weeks but also enhances the rootstock’s tolerance to mild cold (common in highland nights) and improves nutrient uptake—laying a solid foundation for grafting and future citrus fruit production.
Scenario 4: Propagation of Pineapple Suckers (Coastal Agricultural Zones)
Pineapples thrive in Ecuador’s coastal zones with warm temperatures (24-30°C) and well-drained soil. Growers often use pineapple suckers for propagation, but weak root systems in suckers lead to slow growth. Spraying the base of pineapple suckers with a 25-40 ppm 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid NAA solution before planting induces the formation of new roots within 7-10 days. The enhanced root system allows suckers to absorb more nutrients (e.g., potassium, which is crucial for pineapple sweetness) and tolerate occasional droughts in coastal areas, resulting in earlier maturity and sweeter fruits.
