EFFECTS OF FOLIAR AND ROOT APPLICATIONS OF METHANOL OR ETHANOL ON THEGROWTH OF TOMATO PLANTS (LYCOPERSICON-ESCULENTUM MILL)

Young tomato plants were treated with foliar sprays and root applicati ons of aqueous solutions of methanol and ethanol. Concentrations range d from 5 to 20% v/v. Root applications caused severe plant damage. In contrast foliar sprays resulted in significant growth stimulation. Bot h alcohols increased leaf and stem fresh and dry weights with the maxi mum increases at the highest concentrations tested. Methanol produced a greater increase in stem length and stem fresh and dry weights than ethanol. There was no significant difference between the alcohols in t erms of leaf weights or leaf number.