Question: Why do we use growth regulators on the greens if we are trying to grow grass on them?
Answer: A growth regulator is a hormone inhibitor. Growth
retardant or regulator is a misnomer. It restricts the giberillens
(hormone that directs carbs towards the production of top growth) in the plant.
This reduces shoot or leaf growth and saves carbohydrates to be used for
stress management or root growth. We use growth regulators to control the
direction of the plant growth. In other words, the plant is still
producing the same amount of growth, but with the use of growth regulators we
can force the plant to put more energy in root growth and lateral
growth. This reduces the amount of leaf/vertical growth and builds
an overall healthier plant. We continue to promote growth with the use of
fertility, and with the aid of the growth regulator we can encourage growth to
be in the most beneficial areas (roots and laterally). Excessive leaf
growth can place additional stress on the plant and provide poor putting
quality. We use these products to encourage bentgrass over poa annua as well.
Have a great day,
Jordan Booth
jbooth@willowoakscc.org
Have a great day,
Jordan Booth
jbooth@willowoakscc.org
