Abstract: The effects of some inhibitors on potassium- and IAA-induced rooting were studied adopting the root-formation bioassay in the excised cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L. ) cotyledon. 5-fluomuracil at 7 Ï 10-4 – 7 Ï10-1 mmol/L and cycloheximide at 3.5 Ï 10-4 – 1.05 Ï10-2 mmol/L significantly inhibited potassium- and IAA-induced adventitious root formation of the excised cucumber cotyledons, respectively. Na3VO4 at 0.1 – 1.0 mmol/L obviously inhibited potassium and IAA-induced adventitious rooting of the excised cucumber cotyledons, and similar inhibitory effect was found with 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) at 2 Ï 10-4 – 2 Ï 10-l mmol/L.There is a close relationship between potassium and IAA-induced adventitious rooting and the promotive effect of potassium on rooting is possibly brought about via affecting the endogenous level of IAA.

Key words: 5-fluorouracil, Cycloheximide, Na3VO4, 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid, Potassium, IAA