Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceP
Short answer: Aspirin will help trigger a stress response in plants that boosts their own natural defenses against bacteria, fungi and viruses (Google 'Systemic Acquired Resistance' or 'SAR aspirin'.) I also believe from my own experience that the stress response kick-starts root growth, but I don't have a citation handy.
I forgot to mention that I also add a couple of teaspoons of Physan or similar.
|
Umm... very close - The actual reason is that aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid - and since it contains salicylic acid (Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone and is found in plants with roles in plant growth and development, photosynthesis, transpiration, ion uptake and transport. SA also induces specific changes in leaf anatomy and chloroplast structure. SA is involved in endogenous signaling, mediating in plant defense against pathogens.[3] It plays a role in the resistance to pathogens by inducing the production of pathogenesis-related proteins.[4] It is involved in the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in which a pathogenic attack on one part of the plant induces resistance in other parts. The signal can also move to nearby plants by salicyclic acid being converted to the volatile ester, methyl salicylate.[5]
[edit] ) thank you wikipedia.. it was easier than me typing it all up myself... sorry I'm lazy.
Side note, willow bark actually contains salicylic acid as well (why homeiopathic medicine uses it to treat headaches) but also works as a rooting hormone. Just put a branch of willow in water and watch... If you add other plants to the water it has similar affect due to the leaching.