Summer Pre-conditioning: PGRs
Research has found that applications of cytokinin to the root system (Cytokinins are synthesized in the root tips and transported via xylem) alleviated leaf senescence and improve turf quality (Wang, et al., 2004). Further research has found that cytokinin containing seaweed and humic acid extracts increased plant cytokinin levels possibly leading to improved drought tolerance (Zhang and Ervin, 2004).
Trinexapac-ethyl (Primo® MAXX), a plant growth regulator, increases levels of zeatin riboside one of the more prevalent and bioactive cytokinins (Ervin & Zang, 2004). The increase plant levels potentially could increase the heat tolerance and drought tolerance of the turf. To get the desired effect multiple applications need to be initiated prior to the stress period.
* The potential for prestress conditioning with existing products may allow for treating plants prior to stress to survive the stress. Products that either provide cytokinins (seaweed extract for example) or stimulate plant production (trinexapac-ethyl) applied prior to the stress may provide stress tolerance.
