Chemical regulation of vegetative growth∗

Abstract Our review gives a comprehensive overview of the chemical restriction of plant growth. The first portion of the article gives a brief history of plant growth retardants followed by an update on current usage. Following this, the biochemical and physiological aspects of plant growth restriction are covered. The remaining portion of the review deals with current and potential uses of plant growth retardants on amenity plants, fruit trees, cereals and grains, and vegetables. The concluding section emphasizes future directions for growth retardant research. Key words: gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitorsgrowth retardantsplant growth regulatorsshoot growth inhibitors Notes Contribution No. 26096 from the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Mention of a proprietary product or vendor does not constitute an endorsement. Mention of a compound for a specific agricultural application does not imply that the product is necessarily registered for such use.