The effect of several analogs of 1-triacontanol (TRIA), differing in C-chain length (16-32), the position of the hydroxyl group and the terminal functional group, were tested alone and in combination with TRIA on the growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.), maize (Zea mays L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings. Applied alone, none of the compounds caused an increase in growth; thus, chain length (30 C) and presence and position (terminal) of the hydroxyl group appear to be specific for the growth-promoting activity of TRIA. When applied simultaneously with TRIA, all analogs inhibited the response to the latter in all three test plants, whether applied in the nutrient solution, as foliar spray or by seed soaking. 1-Octacosanol inhibited the response of rice seedlings to 2.3 x 10(-8) M TRIA at concentrations as low as 2.4 x 10(-12) M. Thus preparations of TRIA and application equipment must be free from trace amounts of other long-chain compounds if they are to be used to increase plant growth.