Synthesis and structural characterization of organotin-kinetin polymers, and their effect on the germination of Cladium jamicense crantz and Typha domingensis Pers

Organotin-containing polymers were synthesized in moderate to high yield through the condensation of the corresponding organotin dichloride with the plant growth hormone kinetin. Structural characterization employing IR, MS and light scattering photometry was consistent with the product being a moderate polymer connected through the amine groups. The effect of the polymers and kinetin on the germination of sawgrass (Cladium jamicense Crantz) and cattail (Typha domingensis Pers.) was studied. In general, germination increased when kinetin and the polymers were applied to sawgrass and cattail seeds with the largest increases found for the highest concentrations (1000 ppm) employed. This increase in germination for sawgrass may be beneficial in the recovery of the Florida Everglades since it is the reduction in sawgrass that is the single most prominent factor in the change in the Everglades and the use of plant growth hormones to increase the germination rate of sawgrass allows the ready repopulation of areas through the use of sawgrass seeds.