Plug dip controls aggressive plant growth

Controlling stem extension of aggressive annuals continues to be a struggle for some growers, especially with plants in mixed containers. Researchers at Michigan State University suggest a plant growth retardant plug dip or liner dip.

The plug tray is soaked in a growth regulator solution before transplant and the chemical is absorbed by the growing medium. This technique treats many plants at once and offers several weeks of height control depending on the chemical rate, volume and production environment.

These plug dips are particularly useful when producing mixed containers that contain species with different growth rates and growth regulator responses. For combination plantings, a plug dip of aggressive plants before transplant can allow less-vigorous plants time to develop in mixed containers and to improve crop quality.

Key factors that influence the response of a plug dip are application rate, dip duration and medium moisture content. Controlling these factors can improve success and reduce the possibility of inconsistent responses.

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For more: Erik Runkle, Michigan State University, Department of Horticulture, (517) 355-5191; runkleer@msu.edu; www.ipm.msu.edu/greenhouseAlert.htm.

July 2008