Which effects can be caused by seedling growth inhibitors?

Seedling growth inhibitors are designed to regulate the growth and development of plants, particularly during their early phases. When these inhibitors are applied, one significant impact can be the stunting or swelling of roots in emerging seedlings. This occurs because the inhibitors disrupt the normal hormonal pathways that govern root development, leading to alteration in their growth patterns.

In contrast to options like improved seed germination, enhanced nutrient absorption, or increased flowering rates, which are typically associated with growth-promoting substances, stunted or swollen roots indicate a negative effect on the plants' early development. This type of response is a hallmark of the action of growth inhibitors, as they specifically target the physiological processes that drive plant growth and establishment.