Pre-transplant PGR dips control annuals

More growers are using plant growth regulator dips on plugs and liners prior to transplant to control plant height of aggressive annuals.

Michigan State University floriculture extension specialist Erik Runkle said these dips are particularly useful to regulate the initial growth of plants in mixed containers. These pre-transplant dips enable less aggressive, untreated plants to become established before aggressive plants take over.

MSU researchers have identified suggested rates for dips of uniconazole (the active ingredient in Sumagic and Concise) and paclobutrazol (the active ingredient in Piccolo, Bonzi and Paczol). Runkle said before deciding which chemical dip to use consider: the chemical, plant species, magnitude of the desired response, growing medium moisture content, growing conditions and location.

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For more: Erik Runkle, (517) 355-5191; www.ipm.msu.edu/grnhouse07/G3-05-07.htm.