Greenhouse operators have access to an expanding number of plant growth regulators that can be profitably used to manipulate crop growth and development. Among the oldest of this group of products is Florel, which remains one of the most versatile growth regulators. Much has been written about ethylene's place in the commercial greenhouse. While most growers have learned that ethylene is the last hormone they want present in a postharvest setting because of its negative effects including hastening flower senescence, research has provided them with a very different understanding of ethylene's role during plant production. A subtle shift has taken place from describing Florel as a chemical pinching agent to a more accurate lateral branching agent. This change has been made because Florel does not kill the stem growing tip. Rather, it stimulates lateral branching below the tip resulting in the release from apical dominance.
展开▼
