Although silver is widely distributed, it is not an essential element for plant growth (Vanselow 1966) and is not a normal constituent of plants (MRI 1975). Silver generally accumulates in the root zone of soils (Klein 1978). Factors influencing the silver concentration in plants and the uptake of silver are the plant species, soil composition, soil pH and the form of silver. Foliar applications of AgNO3 at 150 mg silver/L protected pea seedlings from the effects of exogenous ethylene. This same protection was also seen in cotton, tomato and cucumber plants and the orchid Cattleya. There was no phytotoxicity at these concentrations (Beyer 1976).