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

How Plant Growth Regulators are Tools for Quality and Efficiency For many greenhouse growers, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are known primarily as tools for producing compact, uniform plants with improved market appeal. However, industry experts stress that the benefits go far beyond plant quality. At a time when labor is scarce and expensive, PGRs are recognized as labor-saving solutions that reduce repetitive tasks, simplify scheduling, and help growers avoid costly mistakes. “Trimming, spacing, fertilizing — those things all require people. With a PGR, you can control growth and still deliver a good-looking plant,” says Sam Drahn, Director of Technical Services at OHP.

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.

What to know about plant growth regulators Is this the year you should try PGRs in your crop management program? EARLY-SEASON DEVELOPMENT: Crop scouting and digging indicate these seedlings are off to a strong start. Jon Zuk with WinField United believes the right PGR products help ensure that result. WINFIELD UNITED Would you try a product if you’d never heard of that category of compounds? Odds are you would say, “No thanks.” But what if your input supplier suggested a product with a proven track record for increasing yields? The term “PGR” may mean nothing to you. On the other hand, a 3-bushel-per-acre corn yield increase over time in reputable plots might be worth investigating.