a Scientific Perspective on Plant Growth Regulators and Food Safety
Many people equate plant growth regulators with "hormones," even suggesting that contraceptives are used on cucumbers and grapes—a claim that is alarmist and unfounded.
Plant growth regulators are either naturally occurring or synthetic. Because their effective dosage and application timing are strictly regulated, the amounts used are typically very small. Beyond a certain concentration, their harmful effects on crops become readily apparent.
Furthermore, plant growth regulators are chemicals that act on plants; they do not function as "hormones" in the human body. As a type of pesticide, their use and registration are subject to strict regulations. During the pesticide registration process, extensive testing is required, including efficacy, toxicology, residue levels, and environmental impact. In particular, the toxicology tests must cover acute, chronic, sub-chronic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. Only after passing review by the National Pesticide Registration Review Committee can registration be granted.
Whether plant growth regulators pose a risk to food safety and human health depends on the dosage. For plant growth regulators, the concentration that affects crops is often much lower than the concentration that would be harmful to humans, so their use is carefully controlled. The scientific and responsible use of plant growth regulators is essential. Understanding the appropriate dosage, application timing, residue limits, and maximum daily intake is crucial for ensuring safety and effectively utilizing their benefits.
Plant growth regulators are either naturally occurring or synthetic. Because their effective dosage and application timing are strictly regulated, the amounts used are typically very small. Beyond a certain concentration, their harmful effects on crops become readily apparent.
Furthermore, plant growth regulators are chemicals that act on plants; they do not function as "hormones" in the human body. As a type of pesticide, their use and registration are subject to strict regulations. During the pesticide registration process, extensive testing is required, including efficacy, toxicology, residue levels, and environmental impact. In particular, the toxicology tests must cover acute, chronic, sub-chronic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. Only after passing review by the National Pesticide Registration Review Committee can registration be granted.
Whether plant growth regulators pose a risk to food safety and human health depends on the dosage. For plant growth regulators, the concentration that affects crops is often much lower than the concentration that would be harmful to humans, so their use is carefully controlled. The scientific and responsible use of plant growth regulators is essential. Understanding the appropriate dosage, application timing, residue limits, and maximum daily intake is crucial for ensuring safety and effectively utilizing their benefits.
