Application of photoremovable protecting group for controlled release of plant growth regulators by sunlight

We report a novel technique for controlled release of plant growth regulators (PGRs) by sunlight using photoremovable protecting group (PRPG) as a delivery device. In the present work, carboxyl-containing PGRs of the auxin group [indoleacetic acid (IAA) and naphthoxyacetic acid (NOAA)] were chemically caged using PRPGs of coumarin derivatives. Photophysical studies showed that caged PGRs exhibited good fluorescence properties. Irradiation of caged PGRs by sunlight in both aqueous ethanol and soil media resulted in controlled release of PGRs. The results of the bioactivity experiments indicated that caged PGRs showed better enhancement in the root and shoot length growth of Cicer arietinum compared to PGRs after 10 days of sunlight exposure. Our results indicated that use of PRPG as a delivery device for controlled release of PGRs by sunlight in soil holds great interest for field application since it can overcome the rapid loss of PGRs in environmental conditions.

► New technique for controlled release of plant growth regulators (PGRs) by sunlight.
► Coumarin based photoremovable protecting group (PRPG) as a delivery device.
► Detection of caged PGRs at low concentration.
► Control over the release rate of PGRs.
► Bioactivity study revealed that caged PGRs are more available to enhance the growth of Cicer arietinum than uncaged PGRs.