Paclobutrazol Information
What is paclobutrazol? Technically, paclobutrazol is a synthetic fungicide. While it can be applied to kill fungi, it is much more commonly used as a plant growth regulator. Plant growth regulators are used to slow down the top growth of plants, encouraging root growth and thicker, stouter existent growth. This is especially useful in lawns, as it makes the turf thicker and reduces the need for mowing.
What Does Paclobutrazol Do?
Paclobutrazol works as a plant growth regulator in two ways. First, it inhibits the plant’s ability to produce gibberellic acid, which reduces the plant’s cell length. This makes the plant gain height more slowly. Second, it decreases the destruction of abscisic acid, which makes the plant grow more slowly and lose less water. Basically, it makes the plant stay shorter and stouter for longer.
Additional Paclobutrazol Effects
Paclobutrazol effects are not limited to growth regulation. It is, after all, a fungicide, and it can be used as one. Some research has shown that it can actually be used to kill bacteria. It has also been shown to promote richer, greener growth, and to increase a plant’s ability to take in nutrients and minerals. It can be used in lawns to suppress the growth of unwanted bluegrass.
Tips for Using Paclobutrazol
Paclobutrazol can be absorbed somewhat through the leaves, but it can be taken in much more effectively by a plant’s roots. Because of this, it should be applied as a soil drench. It is also included in some fertilizer mixes. To use paclobutrazol to suppress bluegrass, apply it to your lawn in both the spring and autumn.
