How Power Grown Forchlorfenuron Can be Used to Rapidly Grow Fruit
Forchlorfenuron (CPPU) is a cytokinin that acts as a plant growth regulator in fruits and berries. It’s used primarily in fruits like kiwi and grapes to promote cell division, which increases the quality of the fruits and increases crop yields. Power Grown offers forchlorfenuron as a crystalline powder in a range of sizes: 5 grams, 10 grams, 25 grams, 50 grams, and 100 grams.
Benefits of Forchlorfenuron
Forchlorfenuron’s potency as a plant growth regulator is well documented. It’s a synthetic plant hormone, and it can work in synergy with gibberellic acid (GA). Forchlorfenuron affects fruit in a few ways:
Increases size and lateral growth of fruit. It’s been studied that forchlorfenuron can change the size and shape of grapes and kiwis. Adding it to grapes have caused the fruit to become rounder in shape and larger in size. The plant growth regulator increases size by promoting cell division, not cell enlargement.
Delays maturity. Forchlorfenuron delays the maturity of berries. This is necessary to prolong the lifespan of the fruit. When berries like grapes ripen, a breakdown of chlorophyll occurs and the flavonoids profile changes. When berries mature, astringency also occurs, which is the interaction between tannins and tongue (salivary) proteins. Astringency is considered a negative trait, as it creates a dry, bitter taste in grapes and fruit.
Regulates cellular metabolism. Forchlorfenuron acts on the synthesis of RNA, DNA and proteins to regulate and optimize the metabolism of cells in fruit.
Delays senescence. Forchlorfenuron can delay the senescence of cells. Senescence is the process in which cells cease to divide.
Here are some ancillary benefits to forchlorfenuron:
- Promote sprouting of lateral buds
- Improve pollen fertility
- Optimize protein synthesis
- Increase the sugar content
- Stimulate bud differentiation
- Break apical dominance
Overall, forchlorfenuron can significantly improve the size and quality of the fruit, which is why many farmers consider it a potent plant growth regulator.
Is Forchlorfenuron Safe?
Forchlorfenuron has only been approved for use on kiwis and grapes in the United States. The plant growth accelerator became popular in the 1980s, and it was originally used on a wide variety of different fruit and plants. Researchers discovered that the way forchlorfenuron stimulates and proliferates cells can interact poorly with some fruits and plants, which is why it can only be used on certain fruits in the United States. If you use forchlorfenuron, it’s important that you only use it on the approved list of fruits.
The EPA evaluated the forchlorfenuron and determined that it is not acutely toxic via the oral, dermal and inhalation processes. Studies where lab rats were administered forchlorfenuron showed that chronic exposure triggered inflammatory responses in the kidneys.
In terms of human studies, there is no demonstrable risk for those who are acutely exposed to forchlorfenuron.
There have been some worries that ingesting fruits that have been sprayed with forchlorfenuron can yield unwanted health hazards, but studies show negligible consequences.
As always, when growers apply plant growth regulator products from Power Grown, caution must be exercised. Follow these guidelines when handling forchlorfenuron:
- Wear protective eyewear. When forchlorfenuron enters the eyes, it can cause inflammation and irritation. In the event that it does reach your eyes, be sure to apply water to wash out the substance.
- Don’t directly inhale. While forchlorfenuron is not particularly toxic, it can cause uncomfortable irritation through the air pathways.
- Don’t swallow. While it should go without saying, be sure not to swallow the substance. You never know how it can interact with your body when it’s directly ingested.
How to Apply Forchlorfenuron
Power Grown offers the plant growth regulator as a crystalline, white powder. Within each package comes a measurable spoon, and detailed instructions are also supplied.
When applying it to grapes, lower use rates minimize harvest delay, while higher use rates of 8 to 10 grams active ingredient (a.i.) per acre (A) maximize fruit size and harvest delay. For kiwi fruit, application rate ranges from 2 to 8 grams a.i./A.
Forchlorfenuron is dissolved with an organic solvent such as alcohol (isopropyl).
Once the powder has been dissolved it is typically applied via the spray method. Make sure that the application is evenly spread throughout the crop area to maximize coverage and effectiveness. If you’re unsure of how to prepare forchlorfenuron and apply it to your crops.
Concentrations of Forchlorfenuron are quantified by ppm (parts per million). To calculate the concentration, use this equation:
Replace X and Y, (X mg/ Y ml) x 1000 = Z ppm
So, if you have 100 mg of powder, and mix it in 200 ml of water, you will have 500 ppm of the GA solution at 200 ml.
The plant growth regulator has a synergistic effect when used with gibberellic acid. Gibberellic acid is a naturally occurring hormone found in plant life, and it has been proven to increase the diameter, length, weight, and yield of berries when used in-tandem with forchlorfenuron. Gibberellin stimulates cell elongation and division of cells.
Contact Power Grown Today
Are you in need of potent forchlorfenuron and other plant growth regulator products? Power Grown is your solution to aiding your plants and fruit in their growth and development. You can visit our site at www.powergrown.com or call us on 916-474-0451.
