Application of benzyladenine to dry pea seed delayed the production of amylase and the concomitant breakdown of starch. The utilization of nitrogenous reserve food material was also delayed. Shoot growth was correlated with breakdown of reserve food.Benzyladenine given to one of the cotyledons did not affect the senescence of the other. Cotyledonary axillary shoots were released from apical dominance, but only those originating from the benzyladenine treated cotyledon continued to develop. The pattern of growth initiated by benzyladenine was not altered by gibberellic acid although this substance caused increased elongation of all growing shoots.