Abstract: It was found that there is a zearalenone-like substance in the growing points of vernalized wheat seedlings and carrot plants. The content of this substance synchronously increased with the depth of vernalization. It was separated by thin layer chromatography. Its UV spectrum was similar to that of zearalenone. It is believed that this substance may be one of the important endogenous substances which control the vernalization of winter plants.

Key words: Zearalenone, Vernalization