1. Use appropriate dosage; do not arbitrarily increase the dosage. Plant growth regulators are substances with similar physiological and biological effects to plant hormones and should not be used excessively. Generally, only a few grams or milliliters per acre are needed. Some farmers are afraid that a small dosage will not be effective and arbitrarily increase the dosage or concentration. Doing so will not only fail to promote plant growth but will also inhibit it, and in severe cases, may even lead to leaf deformities, drying and shedding, and the death of the entire plant.
2. Do not mix indiscriminately. Many vegetable farmers, in order to save time, often mix plant growth regulators indiscriminately with fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, etc. Whether plant growth regulators can be mixed with fertilizers, pesticides, etc., must be determined after carefully reading the instructions for use and conducting experiments. Otherwise, not only will they fail to achieve the effects of promoting growth, protecting flowers and fruits, or supplementing fertilizer, but improper mixing may also cause phytotoxicity. For example: Ethephon solution is usually acidic and cannot be mixed with alkaline substances; amino acid esters decompose easily in alkali and cannot be mixed with alkaline pesticides or fertilizers.
3. Proper application is crucial. Some vegetable farmers often fail to carefully read the instructions before using plant growth regulators and directly dilute them with water. It is essential to carefully check whether direct dilution is possible, as some plant growth regulators cannot dissolve directly in water. If a stock solution is not prepared beforehand to achieve the required concentration, the agent will be difficult to mix evenly, affecting its effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to strictly follow the dilution instructions.
4. Growth regulators cannot replace fertilizers. Growth regulators are not plant nutrients; they only regulate growth and cannot replace fertilizers. Applying excessive amounts of plant growth regulators when water and fertilizer conditions are insufficient can be harmful. Therefore, when poor plant growth is observed, fertilization and watering should be strengthened first. Only on this basis can growth regulators be used effectively.
5. Plant growth regulators are classified as pesticides. Product packaging must display the required "three certificates for pesticides," indicated by a yellow label.
6. Strictly follow the instructions for use, and take appropriate protective measures to prevent any adverse effects on humans, livestock, or drinking water.
