What Are the Functions and Uses of Chlormequat Chloride?
Chlormequat chloride is a quaternary ammonium plant growth regulator that acts as an antagonist of gibberellins. It primarily works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of gibberellins, thus controlling excessive plant growth and increasing yield. As a result, farmers widely use chlormequat chloride. So, what are the functions and uses of chlormequat chloride? Let's find out.
Functions and Uses of Chlormequat Chloride
The main function of chlormequat chloride is to inhibit plant overgrowth, promote tillering, increase plant stress resistance, and improve yield and quality. Additionally, chlormequat chloride shortens internodes, enhances stress resistance, encourages more flowering, fruiting, tillering, pod setting, branching, increases chlorophyll content, and improves photosynthetic efficiency.
Main Uses
Chlormequat chloride is mainly used during the flowering and fruiting stages and is commonly applied to crops with relatively short growing seasons, such as cotton, wheat, corn, rice, sorghum, peanuts, soybeans, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, sugarcane, apples, pears, peaches, grapes, citrus, and more.
Specific Applications
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Corn: Spray corn leaves with a 2000-4000 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution during the jointing or tasseling stage to strengthen the stalk and lower the ear height.
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Wheat: Spray a 1000-2000 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution at the end of tillering or the beginning of jointing to effectively inhibit the elongation of the first to third internodes at the base of the stem, preventing lodging.
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Soybeans: Spray a 100-200 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution at the initial flowering stage, using about 50 kg per acre. This strengthens the stem and prevents lodging, increasing the number of pods.
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Melons: Spray seedlings with a 100-500 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution to strengthen seedlings, control growth, and increase drought and cold resistance, thus boosting yield.
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Peppers: Spray a 20-25 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution during the initial flowering stage to inhibit stem and leaf growth, resulting in a shorter, sturdier plant.
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Azaleas: Water the soil around azaleas with a 2000-10000 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution at the beginning of their growth to dwarf the plants.
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Grapes: Spray a 100-500 mg/L chlormequat chloride solution during the initial vigorous growth of new shoots, before flowering, to significantly inhibit shoot growth.
Conclusion
In summary, chlormequat chloride is a commonly used plant growth regulator with a wide range of functions and applications. Its effects on inhibiting stem and leaf growth, preventing lodging, and increasing yield are particularly notable.
What is Chlormequat Used For?
Chlormequat chloride is a quaternary ammonium plant growth regulator widely used in agriculture and horticulture. Its primary function is to control excessive plant growth, promote stronger and more resilient plants, and enhance crop yield and quality. Let's delve into the specific uses and benefits of chlormequat chloride.
Main Uses of Chlormequat Chloride
Chlormequat chloride is applied to a variety of crops during different growth stages to achieve optimal results. Here are some of its primary applications:
Agricultural Uses
Chlormequat chloride is extensively used in agriculture for various crops, including:
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Cotton: Applied to control excessive vegetative growth, enhance boll retention, and improve fiber quality.
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Wheat: Used to shorten stem length, increase tillering, and reduce lodging, leading to higher grain yield.
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Corn: Strengthens the stalk and lowers the ear height, making the plant more resistant to lodging and wind damage.
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Rice: Promotes uniform flowering and maturity, increases tillering, and enhances grain filling.
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Sorghum: Reduces plant height, prevents lodging, and improves grain yield and quality.
Horticultural Uses
In horticulture, chlormequat chloride is used to manage the growth of various ornamental plants and vegetables:
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Tomatoes: Controls plant height and promotes stronger, thicker stems to support heavy fruit loads.
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Cucumbers: Encourages compact growth and increases fruit yield and quality.
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Potatoes: Enhances tuber formation and improves overall plant health.
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Ornamental Plants: Used to maintain a desirable plant size, enhance flowering, and improve plant aesthetics. Commonly applied to azaleas, chrysanthemums, and poinsettias.
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Fruit Trees: Applied to apple, pear, peach, grape, and citrus trees to improve fruit set, reduce excessive shoot growth, and enhance fruit quality.
Specific Applications
Chlormequat chloride can be applied in various ways depending on the crop and desired outcome:
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Foliar Spray: Spraying the leaves with a chlormequat chloride solution to ensure uniform distribution and absorption.
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Soil Drench: Applying the solution to the soil around the plant's base for root absorption.
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Seed Treatment: Treating seeds with chlormequat chloride before planting to enhance early growth and development.
Conclusion
Chlormequat chloride is a versatile plant growth regulator with widespread use in agriculture and horticulture. Its ability to control plant growth, prevent lodging, and enhance yield and quality makes it an invaluable tool for farmers and gardeners. By understanding and applying chlormequat chloride correctly, one can achieve healthier, more productive crops and ornamental plants.
