Comprehensive Potato Growth Control Plan

Scientifically controlling growth is key to high-quality potato yields. Chemical agents such as Paclobutrazol (Paclo) and Uniconazole, combined with agronomic measures, precisely control growth from the budding to early flowering stage to effectively inhibit excessive growth and promote tuber enlargement, thereby increasing yield and income.

Chemical Growth Control Technology
Chemical growth control is currently the most widely used method, primarily achieved through plant growth regulators. Paclobutrazol (Paclo) is currently the most effective growth control agent. Its application concentration is 1500-2000 times diluted with 15% wettable powder, applied as a foliar spray from the budding to early flowering stage. Important considerations when applying the spray: Choose a sunny day before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM, avoiding periods of high temperatures; limit the spray volume to 30-40 kg per mu; and ensure even spraying, focusing on the growing points of the plants.

In addition to Paclobutrazol (Paclo), Uniconazole is also a commonly used pesticide. Its activity is 6-10 times that of paclobutrazol, and its application concentration is 2000-2500 times diluted 5% wettable powder. Compared to Paclobutrazol (Paclo), Uniconazole has a shorter soil residual period and less impact on subsequent crops. In recent years, a new growth control agent, prohexadione-calcium, has been gradually introduced. Its rapid effectiveness and high safety make it particularly suitable for use in the later stages of potato growth.

Comprehensive Growth Control Plan
Depending on the different growth stages of potatoes, the following comprehensive growth control measures are recommended:

1. Seedling stage: Focus on promoting growth and cultivating strong seedlings. Spraying 2000 times diluted 0.01% Brassinolide (BRs) can be used to enhance stress resistance.
2. Bud stage: Start growth control by spraying 5% Uniconazole 2000 times diluted on the leaves and combine it with tillage and soiling.
3. Flowering Stage: During this critical period for growth control, spray with a 1500x dilution of 15% Paclobutrazol (Paclo) and control watering.
4. Tuber Formation Stage: Maintain adequate moisture and spray with potassium dihydrogen phosphate for nutritional supplementation.

Common Problems and Solutions
1. Yellowing of plants after growth control: This may be due to excessive concentration of the agent or high temperatures during application. Spraying with urea + potassium dihydrogen phosphate can alleviate this.
2. Ineffective growth control: Check for ineffectiveness of the agent and for even application. Consider increasing the agent concentration or switching to a different growth control agent.
3. Tuber deformities: This is often caused by excessive growth control or nutritional imbalance. Maintain proper growth control and balanced fertilization.