WHAT are growth regulators? WHY do we use them? WHY should we use them? HOW can we achieve the results other than by chemical inputs?
Screenplay by David H. Bates
THE G T
of these compounds to mainly field environments was, and still is to some degree, fairly limited. The upturn in their present day usage has been promoted by major chemical companies worldwide. Such products have a
he significance of plant growth regulators (GRs) was recognised as early as 1932. The application
compounded when players, members and officials demand all year round playing standards and facilities. Natural GRs, or
number of important uses. They can improve the period of time taken for establishment of the plant, thereby reducing the potential of weed ingress. They can also improve vegetative growth, hence better rooting and density of the plant. The modern approach is to
apply these GRs in order to reduce time and labour during mowing operations, while improving rooting, colour and sward density. So, what are growth
“hormones”, act as a chemical messenger within the plant. Today’s grass manager utilises chemical developments to change the plant’s natural processes by using GRs to significantly effect plant growth. Today’s synthetic GRs simulate a similar structure to that of the natural plant’s hormones, however, the majority of these bear no relationship to natural plant hormones. As greenkeepers and
regulators? Basically, when a plant has the appropriate environment and conditions for the successful growth, i.e. water, light, air, root room, organic materials within the soil which include nutrition and natural growth factors, the condition is “balanced”, hence it is strong, vigorous and healthy. Under these balanced conditions the disease, stress and wear tolerances may prove to withstand planet earth’s environmental pressures. These key issues are further
assumption that, in order to get the green turned around quickly, to get some growth in the grass in the spring and summer, whilst improving rooting and restoring density
groundsmen react to pressure from external factors, we compromise our knowledge and education in order to satisfy demands from our “clients”. In doing so we all too often sacrifice good knowledge and practices in order to exert the plant to grow quicker than its normal behaviour pattern, thereby accelerating growth, colour and sward. Whilst this removes the potential for complaint from officials, members and players and allows for an easy life, the natural processes within the plant are severely disrupted. It has become the natural
Image © Warner Bros
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