GROWTH REGULATORS--OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL VIEWPOINT

Plant growth regulators have been used commercially since the 1950's to modify growth, enhance crop yields, alter harvest patterns and improve mechanical harvesting. Because demands for food and increased land productivity will continue, hopes remain high for the practical use of existing and new PGR chemicals under development. Industry, government, and academic agricultural scientists are all searching for the "silver bullet" that will produce a substantial yield increase on a major food crop. This potential market for increased production of wheat, corn, or soybeans has channeled us into the current direction of our commercial plant growth regulator development programs. But, will that promise continue to be as attractive to the agricultural chemical industry in future years?