Role of bioregulators in fruit and plantation crop production
Answers
Answer:
The discovery of plant hormones and their ability to regulate all aspects of plant growth and development were defining moments in horticulture. Plant bioregulators (PBRs) were soon identified that could improve yield, quality and postharvest life. No where has their impact been more vividly chronicled than in tree fruit production. Tree fruit are considered high value crops and even small modifications in production efficiency, product quality or enhanced cosmetic appeal have the potential to significantly increase product value.
Explanation:
Plant bioregulators (PBRs) play important roles in modern agriculture and horticulture. However, they account for only 3 to 4% of the total sales of crop protection agents. This limited market potential, the rising costs of development and registration, and the demand for high profitability have created major constraints on the introduction of new PBRs. In spite of this, at least four new PBR products have been introduced for use in fruit production during the last six years. In most cases, reduced requirements for registration have lowered the financial risks relative to expected profits. It can be expected that PBRs will remain to be an integral part of fruit production and that, at least mid-term, there will be no relevant impact from genetic engineering. At present, it appears unlikely that major new PBRs will be introduced for fruit production within the next decade. However, the high standard reached with existing products, together with new developments in other technologies, should offer sufficient solutions to most problems.