Plant Growth Regulators and Thinning
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) can be used with some precision for controlling bloom, thinning fruit, regulating growth, and adjusting harvest season of orchard crops. PGRs are absorbed by plant cells, primarily through the leaves and fruit where they interact with the biochemical “machinery” of the plant. They work by mimicking naturally occurring plant hormones, or by blocking the production or activity of natural plant hormones.
This chapter provides information on which plant growth regulators to use for a specific effect and gives instructions on how, when, where, and in what quantities to apply them. Because plant response can vary greatly due to a range of factors, it is important to keep detailed records of use and plant response to help you fine-tune applications for your orchard.