Scheduled production
Flower induction and ripening make it possible to plan harvests around market needs.
Growth regulators range
Growth regulators: steering crop development
Flowering, ripening, vegetative growth, rooting: precision tools to schedule production and get the best from every plant.
The basics
What is a growth regulator?
A plant growth regulator is a substance that acts, at very low rates, on the plant's physiological processes: germination, rooting, stem growth, flowering, fruit set or ripening. It does not feed the plant or protect it against pests: it steers its development.
Used correctly, growth regulators can trigger pineapple flowering on the chosen date, stimulate latex production in rubber, keep cotton growth in check or help cuttings to root. Their effectiveness depends closely on the crop stage, the rate and the conditions at application.
Benefits
Why choose our growth regulators
Better-balanced plants
Controlling vegetative growth benefits flowering and fruiting.
Precision rates
Very small quantities are enough, provided the stage and rate are strictly respected.
Catalogue
Our growth regulators in Tanzania
Filter by crop to show the products suited to your situation.
Growth regulator
BonGibb 10 SP
Gibberellic acid (GA3) 100 g/kg · SP
Soluble gibberellic acid to improve fruit set and fruit size and to break seed dormancy.
Technical sheet
BonGibb 10 SP contains 100 g/kg gibberellic acid (GA3), a natural plant hormone that stimulates cell elongation and division. Applied at very low concentrations, it improves fruit set when heat or stress limits pollination, enhances fruit sizing and breaks seed dormancy. Follow rates strictly: overdosing causes excessive stem elongation and misshapen fruit.
- Active ingredient
- Gibberellic acid (GA3) 100 g/kg
- Formulation
- SP — Water soluble powder
- Mode of action
- Gibberellin: stimulates cell division and elongation
- Mode-of-action group
- PGR
- Rainfast period
- 6 h
- Pack sizes
- 10 g, 50 g, 100 g
Key benefits
- Improves fruit set under heat stress
- Promotes fruit sizing and uniformity
- Breaks dormancy of freshly harvested seed
- Soluble powder, effective at a few grams per hectare
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Fruit set | 20 – 30 g/ha | At early flowering and again at full flowering (2 applications 10–14 days apart), as a fine spray on the flowers.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Pepper & chilli | Fruit set | 20 – 30 g/ha | At early flowering and again at full flowering (2 applications 10–14 days apart), as a fine spray on the flowers.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Citrus | Fruit set | 30 – 50 g/ha | At petal fall on vigorous trees, especially varieties with poor fruit set.Max. applications: 1Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
| Rice | Germination & emergence | 0.5 – 1 g/L | Breaking dormancy of freshly harvested seed: soak for 12–24 hours in the solution, surface-dry in the shade, then sow.Max. applications: 1 |
Always read the label before use.
Growth regulator
BonEthe 480 SL
Ethephon 480 g/L · SL
Ethephon for pineapple flower induction, fruit ripening and uniform boll opening in cotton.
Technical sheet
BonEthe 480 SL contains 480 g/L ethephon which, once absorbed, breaks down into ethylene, the natural hormone behind pineapple flowering and fruit ripening. It lets growers schedule pineapple flowering and harvest (forcing), even out fruit colouring and group cotton boll opening before harvest. Its efficacy depends on temperature and crop condition: spray during cool hours and respect the recommended stages.
- Active ingredient
- Ethephon 480 g/L
- Formulation
- SL — Soluble concentrate
- Mode of action
- Releases ethylene inside plant tissue
- Mode-of-action group
- PGR
- Rainfast period
- 6 h
- Pack sizes
- 1 L, 5 L, 20 L
Key benefits
- Scheduled pineapple flowering and harvest
- Uniform fruit colouring
- Grouped boll opening for a faster harvest
- Soluble liquid formulation, easy to measure
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pineapple | Flower induction | 1 – 2 L/ha | Forcing on plants that have reached the recommended weight for the variety: 50 mL of mix into the heart of each plant, with urea (2–5%), preferably at night or early in the morning; repeat 3–4 days later if needed.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 2,200 L/ha |
| Pineapple | Fruit ripening & colouring | 2 – 3 L/ha | Degreening: 7–14 days before the planned harvest, on physiologically mature fruit, sprayed onto the fruit.Max. applications: 1Spray volume: 1,500 L/ha |
| Cotton | Boll opening | 2 – 3 L/ha | When 50–60% of bolls are open and the rest are mature, 10–14 days before harvest.Max. applications: 1Spray volume: 200 L/ha |
| Tomato | Fruit ripening & colouring | 1.5 – 2 L/ha | At the end of the cycle, when 10–30% of fruit has started to turn red, to group the last harvest; observe the pre-harvest interval.Max. applications: 1Spray volume: 300 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Growth regulator
BonPaclo 250 SC
Paclobutrazol 250 g/L · SC
Regulator that induces mango flowering, including off-season, and restrains vegetative growth.
Technical sheet
BonPaclo 250 SC contains 250 g/L paclobutrazol, a triazole that slows gibberellin synthesis. Applied to the soil at the base of the tree, it is taken up by the roots, curbs vegetative flushing and promotes flower bud differentiation, making it possible to advance, regulate or trigger mango flowering. Paclobutrazol persists in soil: keep to the rate calculated from canopy diameter and assess tree vigour before treating the same trees again the following year.
- Active ingredient
- Paclobutrazol 250 g/L
- Formulation
- SC — Suspension concentrate
- Mode of action
- Gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor
- Mode-of-action group
- PGR
- Pack sizes
- 250 mL, 1 L
Key benefits
- Earlier, more abundant and more uniform flowering
- Makes off-season production possible
- Reduces vegetative vigour and eases tree management
- One application per production cycle
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mango | Flower induction, Vegetative growth control | 10 – 30 mL/tree | About 4–6 mL per metre of canopy diameter, diluted in 3–5 L of water and poured into a shallow trench around the trunk, 3–4 months before the desired flowering, on vigorous trees after harvest.Max. applications: 1 |
Always read the label before use.
Growth regulator
BonMepi 50 SL
Mepiquat chloride 50 g/L · SL
Cotton growth regulator that curbs excessive vegetative growth in favour of boll retention.
Technical sheet
BonMepi 50 SL contains 50 g/L mepiquat chloride, which shortens internodes by slowing gibberellin synthesis. More compact plants with darker foliage direct more of their resources to flowers and bolls, and are easier to spray and harvest. It is most useful on fertile, well-watered fields where cotton tends to grow rank.
- Active ingredient
- Mepiquat chloride 50 g/L
- Formulation
- SL — Soluble concentrate
- Mode of action
- Growth retardant, gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor
- Mode-of-action group
- PGR
- Rainfast period
- 8 h
- Pack sizes
- 1 L, 5 L
Key benefits
- More compact, better balanced plants
- Better retention of early bolls
- More open canopy for more effective spraying
- Split rates adjusted to crop vigour
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Vegetative growth control | 0.4 – 0.8 L/ha | At early flowering (first flowers) on vigorous cotton, then 10–14 days later if growth remains excessive.Max. applications: 2Spray volume: 150 L/ha |
Always read the label before use.
Growth regulator
BonSeed Start SL
Kinetin (cytokinin) 90 mg/L + Gibberellic acid (GA3) 50 mg/L + Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 50 mg/L · SL
Seed-treatment biostimulant combining a cytokinin, a gibberellin and an auxin for fast emergence and vigorous rooting.
Technical sheet
BonSeed Start SL combines three plant growth regulators: kinetin (a cytokinin) stimulates cell division, gibberellic acid speeds up germination and IBA (an auxin) promotes root formation. Applied to seed just before sowing, it supports faster, more uniform emergence and a better-developed root system that makes fuller use of water and fertiliser early in the season. Treated seed should be sown within 24 hours.
- Active ingredients
- Kinetin (cytokinin) 90 mg/L
Gibberellic acid (GA3) 50 mg/L
Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 50 mg/L - Formulation
- SL — Soluble concentrate
- Mode of action
- Hormonal biostimulant for seed treatment
- Mode-of-action group
- PGR
- Pack sizes
- 250 mL, 1 L
Key benefits
- Faster, more uniform emergence
- Vigorous rooting from the first days
- Seedlings better equipped for early-season stress
- Simple seed application at a very low rate
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed, coat evenly, then dry in the shade.Max. applications: 1 |
| Rice | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed, coat evenly, then dry in the shade.Max. applications: 1 |
| Sorghum | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed, coat evenly, then dry in the shade.Max. applications: 1 |
| Millet | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed, coat evenly, then dry in the shade.Max. applications: 1 |
| Cotton | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed, coat evenly, then dry in the shade.Max. applications: 1 |
| Groundnut | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed and coat gently to avoid damaging the seed coats.Max. applications: 1 |
| Cowpea | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed and coat gently to avoid damaging the seed coats.Max. applications: 1 |
| Soybean | Germination & emergence, Rooting | 500 – 1,000 mL/100 kg | Seed treatment just before sowing: dilute the rate in about 1 L of water per 100 kg of seed and coat gently to avoid damaging the seed coats.Max. applications: 1 |
Always read the label before use.
Growth regulator
BonRacine WP
1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 2 g/kg · WP
Auxin (NAA) rooting powder for cuttings and air-layering of cocoa, coffee and citrus.
Technical sheet
BonRacine WP contains 2 g/kg 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), a synthetic auxin that triggers adventitious root formation at the base of cuttings and on air layers. It speeds up rooting, improves the take rate and produces plants with a denser root system. Apply it as a dry dip on the moistened base of cuttings or on the girdled zone of air layers.
- Active ingredient
- 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 2 g/kg
- Formulation
- WP — Wettable powder
- Mode of action
- Synthetic auxin: induces root formation
- Mode-of-action group
- PGR
- Pack sizes
- 100 g, 500 g
Key benefits
- Faster rooting of cuttings
- Higher take rate in the nursery
- Denser, more uniform root systems
- Ready to use, no preparation needed
| Crop | Targets | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoa | Rooting | 0.05 – 0.1 g/plant | Cuttings: moisten the bottom 2 cm, dip into the powder, tap off the excess and stick at once in a humid propagator.Max. applications: 1 |
| Coffee | Rooting | 0.05 – 0.1 g/plant | Cuttings: moisten the bottom 2 cm, dip into the powder, tap off the excess and stick at once in a humid propagator.Max. applications: 1 |
| Citrus | Rooting | 0.1 – 0.2 g/plant | Air-layering: apply the powder to the upper edge of the girdled ring, then wrap in moist substrate and plastic film.Max. applications: 1 |
Always read the label before use.
No product in this range is listed for this crop. Contact our advisers for an alternative.
Talk to an adviserAlways read the label before use. Product information is given for guidance only; the label of the product authorised in your country always prevails.
Selection guide
Which growth regulator should I choose?
Find your field situation to identify the right BonAgro solution, then check the authorised uses on the label.
| Field situation | Timing | BonAgro solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple flower induction (forcing) and ripening | On plants that have reached the recommended weight; ripening before harvest | BonEthe 480 SLEthephon 480 g/L |
| Regular, early flowering in mango | Soil application under the canopy, several months before the desired flowering | BonPaclo 250 SCPaclobutrazol 250 g/L |
| Excessive vegetative growth in cotton | At early flowering, when vegetative growth is excessive | BonMepi 50 SLMepiquat chloride 50 g/L |
| Fruit set (tomato, pepper, citrus) | Early and full flowering (tomato, pepper); petal fall (citrus) | BonGibb 10 SPGibberellic acid (GA3) 100 g/kg |
| Germination and early vigour (maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cotton, legumes) | As a seed treatment, before sowing | BonSeed Start SLKinetin (cytokinin) 90 mg/L + Gibberellic acid (GA3) 50 mg/L + Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 50 mg/L |
| Rooting of cocoa and coffee cuttings and citrus air layers | Dip the base of the cuttings in the powder; apply to the girdled ring of the layer | BonRacine WP1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 2 g/kg |
| Uniform cotton boll opening before harvest | When 50–60% of bolls are open, 10–14 days before harvest | BonEthe 480 SLEthephon 480 g/L |
Good practice
Application tips
Strictly respect the application stage: a regulator applied too early or too late may not work, or may even harm the crop.
Measure the rate precisely: overdosing can cause deformities, flower drop or stunted growth.
Apply to healthy, unstressed plants and in suitable weather.
Do not mix a growth regulator with other products unless the label or our technical team allows it.
Test on a small area first when using a product on a variety for the first time.
Sustainability
Responsible use
Growth regulators are not subject to resistance in the way pest and disease control products are, but their effect depends on precise use. Careful use keeps plants vigorous and protects harvest quality.
- Respect the interval between applications and the maximum number of treatments.
- In rubber, match the stimulation frequency to the tapping system and the condition of the trees to avoid exhausting them.
- In mango, do not repeat paclobutrazol every year without technical advice: the active ingredient persists in the soil.
- Record dates, rates and results to fine-tune your programmes from one season to the next.
Regulator families in the range
- Ethylene Ethephon, which releases ethylene inside the plant BonEthe 480 SL
- Gibberellins Gibberellic acid (GA3) BonGibb 10 SP BonSeed Start SL
- Anti-gibberellins Paclobutrazol, mepiquat chloride BonPaclo 250 SC BonMepi 50 SL
- Auxins and cytokinins NAA, IBA and kinetin (rooting, vigour) BonRacine WP BonSeed Start SL
The family and active ingredient are shown on each product's technical sheet.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about growth regulators
Our advisers will point you to the right solution for your crop.
Talk to an adviserIs a growth regulator a fertiliser?
No. It acts on the plant's physiological processes at very low rates, but supplies no nutrients. Balanced fertilisation remains essential.
How do I get good flower induction in pineapple?
Treat uniform plants that have reached the recommended weight, in good conditions, with the rate and spray volume on the label. Plants that are too small produce small fruit.
When should mepiquat chloride be used on cotton?
When conditions favour excessive vegetative growth (abundant rain, high nitrogen fertilisation), generally at early flowering. It gives more compact plants and better boll retention.
Can stimulation harm rubber trees?
Stimulating too often or at too high a concentration can exhaust the tree and encourage tapping panel dryness. Follow the recommended concentration, frequency and tapping system.
How should growth regulators be stored?
In their closed original packaging, away from heat and light and out of the reach of children. A poorly stored product can lose its effectiveness: respect the expiry date.
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