Abstract
Apocarotenoids are bioactive metabolites found in animals, fungi and plants. Several carotenoid-derived compounds, apocarotenoids, were recently identified as new growth regulators in different plant species. Here, we introduce basic chemical screening methods, using a model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, to elucidate the function of bioactive apocarotenoids in determining plant phenotypic traits. These short guidelines include essential practices, such as selecting the plant growth conditions and the type of treatment, as well as phenotyping methodologies for the initial screening of novel apocarotenoid plant growth regulators.