Maleic hydrazide: A plant growth regulator that inhibits cell division and growth, often used to control the growth of grass, shrubs, and trees.
Maleic hydrazide is like a pause button for plant growth, temporarily slowing down the rate of cell division and elongation. This can be useful in situations where you want to suppress the growth of certain plants, such as reducing the frequency of mowing lawns or preventing hedges from becoming overgrown. It’s also sometimes used to inhibit the sprouting of stored potatoes or onions.
For home gardeners, maleic hydrazide can be a helpful tool for managing plant growth, but it’s important to use it cautiously and according to the instructions on the product label. It’s generally applied as a foliar spray and is absorbed by the leaves. The effects of maleic hydrazide are temporary, and plants will eventually resume their normal growth patterns. It’s important to note that maleic hydrazide is not a selective herbicide, so it can affect any plants it comes into contact with.
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