1、Q&A: what are brassinosteroids and how do they act in plants?

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of polyhydroxylated steroidal phytohormones in plants with similar structures to animals’ steroid hormones. Brassinosteroids regulate a wide range of physiological processes including plant growth, development and immunity.

2、Brassinosteroid

Brassinosteroids are steroid hormones similar to the ones found in fungi and animals. Brassinosteroids promote plant growth and regulate organ morphology through the control of cell elongation and division.

3、Frontiers

Brassinosteroids (BRs) as a class of steroid plant hormones participate in the regulation of numerous developmental processes, including root and shoot growth, vascular differentiation, fertility, flowering, and seed germination, as well as in responding to environmental stresses.

4、Brassinosteroids in Focus

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of plant hormones structurally related to mammalian and insect steroids.

5、Crucial Roles of Brassinosteroids in Cell Wall Composition and

Since their discovery, multiple bioactive BR has been described, and they can be classified into three groups, depending on the total number of carbons: C 27 -, C 28 - and C 29 -type. Their basic structure is a 5α-cholestane, 5α-ergostane and 5α-stigmastane, respectively.

Brassinosteroids

Brassinosteroids (BRs) comprise a class of over 40 polyhydroxylated sterol derivatives that appear to be ubiquitously distributed throughout the plant kingdom.

The whole and its parts: cell

Brassinosteroid (BR) phytohormones operate at both the cellular and organ levels, and impart distinct transcriptional responses in different cell types and developmental zones, with distinct effects on organ size and shape.

Q&A: What are brassinosteroids and how do they act in plants

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of polyhydroxylated steroidal phytohormones in plants with similar structures to animals’ steroid hormones. Brassinosteroids regulate a wide range of...

Brassinosteroids

BRs are a group of polyhydroxylated steroidal hormones in plants. Structurally, BRs are C-27, C-28, and C-29 steroids with different functional groups on A and B rings and on the side chain. They occur in algae, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms and have not been detected in microorganisms.

The chemical characteristic and distribution of brassinosteroids in

Brassinosteroids represent a class of plant hormones with high-growth promoting activity. They are found at low levels in pollen, anthers, seeds, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, grain, and young vegetative tissues throughout the plant kingdom. Brassinosteroids are a family of about 60 phytosteroids.

Brassinosteroids (benzylureas) are commonly used plant growth regulators primarily employed to promote plant development and increase yield. Brassinosteroids are divided into two main categories: benzylureas and benzoylureas. Below is a detailed description of these two types:

1. Benzylureas (Benzylurea Compounds)

Benzylureas are a class of urea derivatives containing a benzyl group, which mimic plant hormones. These compounds promote cell division, elongation, and differentiation, thereby stimulating plant growth. Common varieties of benzylurea brassinosteroids include:

• 2,4-Dichlorophenylurea (2,4-D): A widely used benzylurea compound for weed control and crop growth promotion. It degrades readily in soil, posing minimal risks to the environment and human health.
• 2,4-Dichlorophenylurea Sodium Salt (2,4-D Na): A sodium salt form of 2,4-D with enhanced penetration and conductivity, accelerating crop growth rates.
• 2,4-Dichlorophenylurea Potassium Salt (2,4-D K): Compared to the sodium salt, the potassium variant offers better stability and bioavailability.
• 2,4-Dichlorophenylurea Ammonium Salt (2,4-D NH₄): An ammonium salt form with improved solubility and biological activity.

2. Benzoylureas (Benzoylurea Compounds)

Benzoylureas are urea derivatives containing a benzoyl group, which also function similarly to plant hormones. They stimulate cell division, elongation, and differentiation to enhance plant growth. Common varieties of benzoylurea brassinosteroids include:

• 2,4-Dichlorobenzoylurea (2,4-B): A prevalent benzoylurea compound used for weed control and crop growth. Like 2,4-D, it breaks down easily in soil, reducing environmental and health impacts.
• 2,4-Dichlorobenzoylurea Sodium Salt (2,4-B Na): A sodium salt form with strong penetration and conductivity, boosting crop growth efficiency.
• 2,4-Dichlorobenzoylurea Potassium Salt (2,4-B K): The potassium variant offers greater stability and bioutilization compared to the sodium salt.
• 2,4-Dichlorobenzoylurea Ammonium Salt (2,4-B NH₄): An ammonium salt form with high solubility and biological efficacy.

Other Brassinosteroid Categories

In addition to benzylureas and benzoylureas, other compounds such as triazines, pyridones, and thiazolinones are occasionally used. Although these do not belong to the benzylurea or benzoylurea groups, they may have specific applications under certain conditions.

Dosage and Application

The content of brassinosteroids is typically expressed in kilograms per hectare (kg/ha). For example:

• 2,4-D: 0.5–1 kg/ha
• 2,4-B: 0.5–0.75 kg/ha

Dosage requirements vary by region and crop, so adjustments should be made based on local conditions before application.

Brassinosteroids encompass diverse types and formulations, each with unique mechanisms and applications. To optimize growth outcomes, selection and usage should align with crop needs and environmental factors. Proper combination and dosage are critical for achieving maximal benefits.