When Is the Best Time to Apply Corn Growth-Regulator Chemicals?

Anyone who has grown corn knows that after corn has grown for a period, growth regulation must be done in time, otherwise yields will drop. So when should corn growth-regulator chemicals be applied?

1. When should corn growth-regulator chemicals be applied?

Corn growth-regulator chemicals are generally best applied at the jointing stage or the 6-10 leaf stage, and no later than the 12-leaf stage; if applied after the 12-leaf stage, it may cause a yield reduction. When spraying, try to spray onto the upper leaves of the plant, and spraying twice during the entire growth period is sufficient.

2. Which chemicals are good for corn growth regulation?

1. Chlormequat

Chlormequat is an antagonist of gibberellin, and its mechanism of action is to inhibit the biosynthesis of gibberellin in the plant. Its physiological function is to control excessive vegetative growth of the plant, promote reproductive growth, shorten the internodes, develop the root system, and increase resistance to lodging.

2. Triazoles

Such as paclobutrazol, uniconazole, and others. The mechanism of action of this type of regulator is to inhibit the biosynthesis of endogenous gibberellin while increasing the activity of indoleacetic acid oxidase in the plant, thereby lowering the level of endogenous auxin. It can noticeably weaken the apical growth dominance of the plant, promote the sprouting of lateral buds, and dwarf the plant.

3. Daminozide

Daminozide can inhibit the biosynthesis of endogenous gibberellin and auxin. Its main effects are to inhibit new shoot growth, shorten internode length, increase leaf thickness, and stimulate root growth.

4. Mepiquat chloride

Also known as mepiquat and cotton plant regulator. Mepiquat chloride can inhibit the apical growth of the plant and shorten internode length, making the plant type compact; it is mainly used for shaping cotton.

5. Ethephon

Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that promotes ripening, and it can effectively dwarf the plant and promote the ripening and abscission of leaves and fruits. Numerous trial results prove that applying ethephon to corn can significantly reduce the length of the basal internodes, thicken the stem base, increase the number of support roots, markedly lower plant height, and produce a notable effect of resisting lodging and increasing yield. At the same time, using ethephon for corn growth regulation has the advantages of a longer suitable application period and a wide applicable concentration range.