Certainly, here is an article on Plant Growth Retardant Information in Onion Crop:
Plant growth retardants are chemicals that can hinder the growth and development of plants. They are mostly used in horticulture to adjust the vegetative growth of plants for commercial purposes. In onion cultivation, plant growth retardants can be used to improve the quality and yield of onion crops.
Gibberellins are plant hormones that promote the growth of cells, stems, and leaves. However, an excess of gibberellins in onions can cause exuberant foliage growth at the expense of bulb development. Therefore, the use of plant growth retardants like paclobutrazol and chlormequat chloride is common in onion crops.
Paclobutrazol is a systemic plant growth regulator that inhibits the synthesis of gibberellins. It is sprayed on the leaves, and it is readily absorbed, causing the inhibition of stem elongation and vegetative growth. Paclobutrazol reduces the length and thickness of the onion leaves, producing smaller and more resistant plants that are less affected by wind and disease. The use of paclobutrazol in onion crops improves the yield, bulb quality, and shelf life of the onions.
Chlormequat chloride is another plant growth retardant that limits the elongation of stems by reducing its cell division. It mainly influences lateral buds, and it has been shown to improve the number of leaves, bulb size, and the yield of onions. Chlormequat chloride is applied to onion crops as a foliar spray, and it is absorbed through the leaves, producing the desired effect in the plants.
It is important to note that the application of growth retardants in onion crops must be carried out at the correct time and concentrations to avoid toxicity or negative effects. The timing of the application is especially important, as these chemicals must be applied at specific stages of the growth of onion crops.
In conclusion, plant growth retardants like paclobutrazol and chlormequat chloride can be used to regulate the growth of onion crops, improving their yield, bulb quality, and resistance to environmental stress. However, it is crucial to use these chemicals properly, following the recommended dosages and timing of application, to avoid negative effects on the onions’ growth and development.