How to Use Plant Growth Regulators

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are essential tools in agriculture for optimizing plant growth and improving yields. There are several effective methods of applying PGRs, each suited to specific plant types and growth objectives.

Aero plant application is known to be one of the most traditional ways. A concentrated PGR solution is not used because a diluted PGR solution is applied by spraying it directly to the leaves of the plant where it can get into the stomata. This method is one of the faster, more effective methods that will still allow for the uniform spreading across the plant. It is suitable for managing flowering, fruiting as well as generation of leaves. The type of spray is also important; generally, it is recommended that the spray is done in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation and drift of chemicals.

In soil application method of PGRs are placed on the soil surface to be taken up by the roots of the plants. It is useful to bury the seeds deep into the ground and guarantee the proper growth of the roots and recovery of the seedling. It is widely applied in the corn, soybean, and other vegetable plants production processes. The first process after the application of a PGR is irrigation because PGRs require water to make its way into the root zone.

PGRs can be applied to seeds either at the time of sowing to improve germination and emergence and/or at shortly after germination to improve uniformity of emergence. Another example is the use of Gibberellins to help bust seed dormancy so that germination results to be faster and more uniform. This technique is particularly used for breaking seed dormancy of hard seeded crops or for those crops that germinate well under specific conditions.

In case of young plants or cuttings, a root dip is applied. PGR solution is used to immerse the root of the plant to promote fast root growth and high transplant success rate. In nurseries and for growing ornamental plants, this method is greatly used.

Applied a Applicable at planting, these PGRs are put in the planting furrow and are taken up by the emergent root systems. This method allows proper root growth and early sapling growth hence suitable for use in row crops production.

Ideally, each of the application methods should be adapted according to the crop kind and the desired growth outcome.