Author Question: Why are chemical retardants applied to floral crops? What are the advantages and disadvantages of ... (Read 31 times)

daltonest1984 · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

Why are chemical retardants applied to floral crops? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of their use?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the different methods horticulturalists may use to control the growth rate,
size, and shape of plants. Which are the advantages and disadvantages of each
method?

What will be an ideal response?

mjenn52 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Chemical retardants may be applied to floral crops to make the plants shorter and more
compact. These plants more attractive, with shorter stems that are better able to support
flowers, which reduces the need for staking or tying. Disadvantages include the time and
effort required to apply the retardants, plus issues related to adding chemicals to the
environment.

Answer to Question 2

The methods horticulturalists use to control the growth rate, size, and shape of plants
may include:
Chemical and natural stimulants, like gibberellins, that cause plants to grow taller or
faster.
Chemical retardants that cause plants to grow slower or cease growing at a certain
point.
Rooting hormones that cause cuttings to root faster

Dwarfing rootstock for tree fruits
Plant biostimulants that stimulate soil microbial activity and improve soil cation
exchange capacity, stimulate plant growth, and promote disease resistance. They also
reduce the need for fertilizers.