Abstract The effect of 1 ppm of molybdenum on nitrate reductase (EC 1.6.6.1.3) and nitrite reductase (EC 1.7.7.1) activity, and the nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, total nitrogen, total protein content on vegetative development of Nicotiana rustica L. was studied. This molybdenum supply increased the ammonium and nitrite content in leaves and the protein content in the root. Variations in enzymatic activity was not observed. The vegetative stage was shorter in the plants grown with this molybdenum supply.