Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/12153
by Dr. Bryan Hopkins and Joshua J. LeMonte Hormones are important and natural components of all living organisms. Plant hormones regulate growth by signaling necessary changes for the plant to complete its life cycle successfully. Hormones determine when a plant grows vegetatively (leaves, stems, and roots) and reproductively (flowers, seeds, fruit, shedding leaves). Hormone Manipulation Researchers have discovered many safe ways to manipulate hormones in humans and other organisms—plants are no excep- tion. Plants produce and regulate their own hormonal balance, but sometimes we can “trick” the plant into growing more of the “stuff” we want (such as larger sugarbeet roots) and less of the “stuff” we don’t (such as extra leaves and stems). Once a plant achieves maximum canopy in order to intercept sunlight, it does little good for the plant to continue to grow many more leaves and stems. Our goal, therefore, is to slow down veg- etative growth and increase the amount of sugar sent to the sugarbeet root for storage after the plant achieves full canopy. Testing Multiple field trials during 2005 to 2009 were conducted in southern Idaho to test application of various hormones and nutri- ents in an effort to increase yields through hormonal control. These trials were conducted in coopera- tion with Amalgamated Sugar Company, Stoller Enterprises, University of Idaho and Brigham Young University. Many hormone and nutrient treatments were evaluated—most without any impact on yield. Plants seemed to self-regulate their hormonal balance and, thus, the results for the vast majority of products tried were of no consequence. However, two products consistently gave positive responses. The product showing the most promise is 3-28-0 with 4 percent molybdenum (Mo) and other “plant growth co-factors” (Ripener, Stoller Enterprises, Houston, Texas). Applying this product as a foliar spray at the onset of senescence (generally in late August to early September) significantly increased total sugarbeet yield in 7 of 13 field observations. More importantly, sugar yield signifi- cantly increased in 11 of 13 observations. The average total yield increase was 1850 pounds per acre for all sites (Fig- ure 1); with a range of 1,800 to 7,940 pounds per acre for responsive sites. The average sugar yield increase was 410 pounds per acre for all sites (Figure 1); with a range of 310 to 1,080 pounds per acre for responsive sites. Sugar Yield Although not tested as often as Ripener alone, the pre-application of a product containing boron (B) and “plant growth co-factors” (Sugar Mover, Stoller Enter- prises, Houston, TX) seemed to increase www.SugarProducer.com 23