Chemical growth retardants placed on the market within the past few years have made it possible for bedding plant growers to reduce or eliminate excessive stem elongation, thereby producing a more compact and sturdier plant requiring less frequent pruning. The chemical 1, 1 dimethylamino succinamic acid (B-Nine, Alar) is one of the most promising and useful of the new growth retardants because it can be applied to the foliage of most species without causing injury. Some of the chemicals also appear to initiate precocious flowering, suggesting a treatment that may be of value in slow-maturing species where flowering and fruiting are prized. Many plants treated with the growth retardants also appear to be better able to resist stress The such as drought, salinity, frost or chilling, and air pollution.

Financial support was received from the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation.