One of the following is a growth retardent

Options

A. Morphactin
B. Zeatin
C. Adenine
D. Ascorbic acid.

Answer

To determine which of the following is a growth retardant, we will analyze each option provided:

1. **Morphactin**:
- Morphactin is a plant growth regulator that promotes plant growth. It is known to enhance various growth processes in plants. Therefore, it cannot be classified as a growth retardant.
- **Conclusion**: Morphactin is not a growth retardant.

2. **Zeatin**:
- Zeatin is a type of cytokinin, which is a class of plant hormones that promote cell division and growth. It is known to stimulate various growth processes in plants, including shoot development and cell division.
- **Conclusion**: Zeatin is not a growth retardant.

3. **Adenine**:
- Adenine is a nitrogenous base that is a component of nucleotides and nucleic acids. While it plays a role in various biochemical processes, it is not classified as a plant growth regulator or a growth retardant.
- **Conclusion**: Adenine is not a growth retardant.

4. **Ascorbic Acid**:
- Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is known to have various roles in plant metabolism. It has been identified as a growth retardant because it can inhibit cell elongation and thus slow down growth.
- **Conclusion**: Ascorbic acid is a growth retardant.

Based on the analysis of the options, the correct answer is **Ascorbic Acid (Option D)**, as it inhibits growth in plants.