PGRs Explained: How Plant Growth Regulators Improve Yield and ROI
As margins tighten and every input dollar matters more than ever, Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are becoming a go-to tool for farmers aiming to maximize yield potential and strengthen plant health under stress. But what are PGRs, and how can they fit into your operation?
In a recent Farm4Profit podcast episode, we’re joined by Gunther Kreps of AgXplore, who breaks down the science, strategy, and ROI behind this rising ag input.
What Are PGRs and How Do They Work?
Gunther starts by explaining the basics: PGRs are compounds — both naturally occurring and synthetic — that influence plant development. Think of auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins as nature’s hormones. When strategically applied, these regulators can stimulate tillering, increase root mass, enhance stalk strength, and help plants manage heat, drought, and disease stress.
Want to understand the science deeper? Learn more about PGR modes of action directly from AgXplore’s product lineup.
When, Why, and How to Use PGRs
Gunther offers a practical guide to PGR application:
Best crops: Corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton
Application timing: V4-V6 in corn, early vegetative stages in soybeans
Tank-mix compatibility: PGRs work best when combined with fungicides, foliar nutrients, or even herbicides, depending on your crop stage and goals
Plus, he shares how environmental conditions — like temperature and soil moisture — can influence effectiveness and why product quality matters. According to Gunther, not all PGRs are created equal, and farmers need to be wary of “snake oil” products promising unrealistic results.
What’s Next for PGRs in Modern Ag?
The future is bright. PGRs are becoming more targeted and precise, with AI-powered prescriptions and biostimulant hybrids on the horizon. Gunther highlights how precision agriculture tools are starting to integrate PGR maps and data layers, helping growers apply the right dose, at the right time, in the right place.
Ready to Dig Deeper?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
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Whether you're scouting for new tools to protect yield or exploring smarter ways to farm, PGRs could be the competitive edge your operation needs.
