Every plant species produces gibberellic acid (GA3) – a naturally occurring plant growth hormone. But when plants are under stress, they don’t produce as much GA3, and the plant’s potential can be knocked back. This can happen early in the season, when young plants are putting down roots and working hard to get established.
“Proliant™ is a new plant growth regulator that is composed of the same gibberellic acid as plants would naturally produce,” explains James Ferrier, Eastern technical manager with Nufarm Agriculture Inc. “With Proliant, we are supplementing the natural GA3 production in plants to enhance plant growth early in the season so crops can produce bigger roots and leaves to capture more sunlight, nutrients and energy for bigger yields.”
New for 2018, Proliant is registered on corn, cereals and forage grasses, and effectively elongates plant cells and encourages cell division. That results in larger roots, stronger stalks and a plant that is better equipped to handle stress.
Stronger plants, bigger yields
In corn, Proliant increases tip fill and the number of kernels around the cob to deliver higher yields. For grain corn, the ability to withstand external stressors means overall plant health benefits, and in silage corn Proliant is delivering better silage quality and ultimately, more milk per tonne of corn. “In 12 Ontario corn trials, Proliant resulted in an average yield increase of 4 bu./ac., and a 1% reduction in moisture level at harvest,” says Ferrier.
Proliant provides similar benefits in wheat with more robust root development and larger leaf area so plants can capture more sunlight and water. “In six Ontario winter wheat trials, Proliant delivered an average yield increase of 8-9 bu./ac. We aren’t seeing a net increase in plant height, but we are seeing more straw because of additional tillering with Proliant,” says Ferrier.
Application tips and timing
In wheat, Proliant application is similar to applying a fungicide.
- Tillering is the ideal application time, before stem elongation begins
- Apply under slow, drying conditions with good crop coverage so Proliant stays on the plant as long as possible for maximum absorption
- Can be applied with a cereal herbicide, except 2,4-D based products
- The granular formulation dissolves and mixes easily
Proliant is available in Eastern Canada at crop input retailers that sell Nufarm products.
Learn more in this short video.
Want to know more? Ask a Nufarmer at 1.800.686.5444, visit Nufarm.ca and follow us @NufarmCA.
