NIR fluorescent nanosensor detects plant growth hormone Making it easier to monitor plants and their growth, a first-of-its-kind nanosensor could help safeguard healthy crops. Working alongside teams from Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology interdisciplinary research group’s Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (SMART DiSTAP) recently developed a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor that can detect indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the primary plant growth hormone. The technology uses Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe), a nanotechnology approach designed by the SMART DiSTAP and MIT researchers. It enables the design of highly selective sensors by coating single-walled carbon nanotubes with custo

Busting Common Misconceptions About Plant Growth Regulators Smaller operations may feel they can do everything a PGR will do by hand with extra labor. However, the labor cost of moving the plants and controlling their growth can add up. Photo: Fine Americas Many growers are familiar with plant growth regulators (PGRs). Some use them frequently, yet others shy away for various reasons. Often, those reasons aren’t as valid as they may have been years ago. We talked with Dudley Dabbs, Sales Manager, SE at Fine Americas, and Dr. JC Chong, Ornamental Technical Development Manager at SePRO, to find out what they hear around the watercooler and get the facts.

Plant hormones help prevent bitter pit PGRs proving to be effective bitter pit management tools.

Plant hormones and their applications in agriculture Plant growth hormones play an important role in the growth and development of plants. These plant growth regulators have revolutionized modern agriculture by allowing farmers to produce crops more efficiently and sustainably.