Effective plant growth regulators for rights-of-ways and potential landscape use

摘要

The history of development and current status concerning tree growth regulators used by the electric utility industry is reviewed. The multiple benefits of paclobutrazol, the principal compound used today by the electric industry, are explained basedon its mode of action related to synthesis of compounds via the isoprenoid pathway. Research is discussed that has shown enhanced root development, improved drought tolerance, resistance to fungal decay and disease, reduced cambial growth in shoots androots, and reduction in the curvature of new shoot growth toward the light rich environment created in tree crowns by pruning for utility line clearance. The many benefits demonstrated for paclobutrazol treated trees have resulted in an active expansionof the market for this compound to all trees in urban areas where growth suppression is desired.