Editor’s letter: Growth regulators

The words “growth regulators” are often part of conversations about insects or plants. This month, we discuss both to help growers succeed in production and overcome challenges, too.

Controlling plant growth with chemicals is a practice many growers have experience with, but figuring out the right mix of cultural practices, PGR applications and new plant genetics is a whole different beast. Learn about options greenhouse growers have for regulating plant growth throughout the season, tips for finding the right balance and how to look for varieties that have been bred for traits that can help you. 

 

Dr. Bugs columnist, Raymond Cloyd, explains insect growth regulators and what contributes to insects developing resistance and methods that will continually keep pest populations low. 

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY 

As we fade into fall and prepare for spring plantings, it’s important to note all of the strong-performing varieties, winners, and new and old favorites that have been highlighted throughout the year. 

Don’t miss GPN’s list of award-winning plants from the past year, and see what plants stood strong in the Southeast at the Penn State Flower Trials.

GREAT LAKES EXPO 

Are you ending 2024 with a stop at the Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO and the Michigan Greenhouse Growers EXPO in December? 

Greenhouse growers will benefit from the 70+ educational sessions offered during the event.

Brian Krug, technical lead at Syngenta Flowers, will be leading two sessions on Dec. 11. In the morning, he will discuss the importance of training new employees for success when learning how to properly water plants. The afternoon presentation will provide growers with a better understanding of chemistry in the greenhouse and easy ways to translate that knowledge into better greenhouse production.