Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) – What Are They, and Why Should You Use Them?

3 Minute(s) read

How to Get a Quality PGR Lawn

Want to take your lawn to the next level? Use what the turf professionals use: plant growth regulators (PGRs). Commonly used on golf courses and sports grounds worldwide, PGRs are now available in an economical size for home use on all grass species. With PGRs, you can achieve stadium-quality turf in your own backyard for less than 3 cents per square metre. Let’s take a look at the benefits of plant growth regulators. 

What Is a Plant Growth Regulator?

A PGR is a chemical that influences plant growth and development. Innovative new PGRs are formulated as a microemulsion concentrate that quickly enters the leaves and shoots before diffusing throughout the entire plant.

How Do PGRs Work?

PGRs work by altering the plant’s production of or response to growth hormones. In turf growth regulators specifically, the active ingredient works to temporarily block the production of gibberellic acid, a plant hormone that promotes cell elongation. This, in turn, suppresses the plant’s vertical growth while allowing normal processes like photosynthesis and transpiration to continue. 

Instead, energy is diverted into a plant’s lateral growth resulting in increased tillering, smaller and finer leaves, and the below-ground growth encouraging larger deeper root mass. The result? Quite simply, a denser, healthier, more vibrant lawn with improved lawn resilience. 

When you use a turf PGR, you’ll notice:

• Slow growth, which means reduced mowing
• Fewer bare patches for a visually stunning lawn
• Cleaner edges with less work

The Benefits of Plant Growth Regulators

Denser, Healthier, Greener Grass

Plant growth regulators force the grass to grow thicker and deeper instead of taller. As a result, the lateral stems become fuller, the roots become deeper, and the lawn becomes a more vibrant colour – even in shady areas that naturally tend to grow thin. With regular PGR application, your lawn will quickly become lush and attractive and will stay that way.

Improved Water and Fertiliser Efficiency

PGR improves water efficiency in multiple ways. First, it encourages the stomata (pores) of the leaves to close for longer periods, slowing the rate of water loss through transpiration. Second, it enables roots to grow deeper and stronger, improving water and nutrient absorption. Finally, reduced growth means lower overall water and fertiliser requirements. In short, plant growth regulators allow your grass to make the most of the water it receives, whether from rain or irrigation.

Less Mowing and Less Weeding

PGRs limit vertical grass growth within 3 to 4 weeks of application. Slower turf growth decreases the need to mow by up to 50%, reducing waste and making for more sustainable maintenance. Not only that, but the increased turf density helps suppress weeds.

Stronger, Denser Turf That Stands up to Turf Stress

Increased temperatures cause turf stress, resulting in loss of colour, density, and quality. PGRs increase the level of bioactive cytokines in the plant, which increases the root density, turf density, and durability of the turf. This improves the turf’s tolerance to heat, drought-induced stress, disease, and wear, making it more resilient and enabling faster recovery from extreme conditions.

How to Apply Plant Growth Regulators

PGRs should be diluted as per the instructions on the bottle, then watered into your lawn at least 6 hours before or after mowing. It’s important to track the growth rate of your turf relative to the rate of PGR application, so make a note of your dilution and application rate. 

When using a plant growth regulator for the first initial application, leave an area to the side untreated for comparison so you can assess the results of your application. Depending on your results, you may use a different dilution or application rate next time. 

We’re Your Local PGR Suppliers in the Turf Industry

For further lawn tips and tricks or advice on what plant growth regulators to use, give our friendly team a call on 03 9116 9082 or email contact@lilydaleinstantlawn.com.au.