α-Naphthaleneacetic Acid (syn: 1-NAA) acid is a synthetic auxin and plant growth regulator. It is a conjugate acid of a 1-naphthaleneacetate. This compound enables researchers to explore the influence of auxin on gene expression and protein synthesis. 1-NAA is routinely used for callus induction, transformant selection, and vegetative propagation of plants from stem and leaf cuttings.
1-NAA is soluble in acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and other organic solvents. It is very slightly soluble in water.
| Plant Biology Applications |
The effect of NAA on plant growth is greatly dependent on the time of exposure and concentration. When used after four weeks, NAA stimulates shoot growth, while full-time use actually limits growth. When used in a 4-week pulse, adventitious root growth is greatly increased (Ashburner, 1993). NAA can be added to plant tissue culture media types including Murashing & Skoog (MS), Chu's N6, K3, V-KM, and Cg. In plant biotechnology, it can be used as an abscission promoter, to stimulate root formation in cuttings of woody, herbaceous plants, and vines. It can also prevent premature flower and fruit drop, control tree sprout regrowth, prevent sprouting in stored vegetables (potato, turnip, ornamental bulbs). Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and salicylic acid (SA) in combination reduced salt stress in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. AR-8 and improved leaf area, plant height, and root activity compared to untreated stressed plants (Mohamed et al, 2016). |
| References |
Ashburner GR, Thompsons WK and Burgh JM (1993) Effect of α-Naphthaleneacetic Acid and sucrose levels on the development of cultured embryos of coconut. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture. 35: 157-163 Mohamed E et al (2026) Synergistic effect of naphthalene acetic acid and salicylic acid on the growth and tolerance mechanism of cucumber under salt stress. Sci Rep. 16(1):9203 PMID 41832243 |
