ISHS Acta Horticulturae 120: Symposium on Growth Regulators in Fruit Production
FOREWORD |
| Author: | MAX W. WILLIAMS |
| Abstract:
This publication contains the research reports presented at the Fourth Symposium of the ISHS Working Group on the use of plant growth regulators in fruit production held at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, June 21–24, 1981. The sessions were attended by 135 registered participants, 21 countries were represented and 58 people were from outside of the USA. I express appreciation to all who attended the symposium and especially to those who presented papers and conducted the sessions. I thank the co-chairmen, Dr Grauslund and Dr Jaumien, and the secretary, Dr Jonkers, for their helpful suggestions. I especially appreciate and thank the program chairman, Dr Powell and the local arrangements committee, Dr Edgerton and Dr Kender and all others who helped make our meeting a success. I also thank Dr Luckwill, the editor of these proceedings for his continued support of the Working Group and for his liaison with the International Society of Horticultural Science and with industry organizations. As a working group we have discovered many important uses of plant growth regulators but much is left to be accomplished. The cost of research and development for plant growth regulators is increasing, therefore as scientists we have to work together to more thoroughly demonstrate the value of bio-regulants in increasing fruit yield and improving fruit quality, and we must support the commercial development of these chemicals, otherwise they will not be available for use. We should continually take the opportunity to educate our administrators and constituents of the value of chemicals combined with the optimum biological and climatic conditions in regulating fruit production. It may be useful to refer to our area of expertise as the bio-regulation of crop production, and refer to the chemicals we use as bio-regulants. Presently they are grouped with pesticides which is not only incorrect but gives a bad impression of our efforts. Bio-regulation can be defined as the combined biochemical and biological control of plant growth. This minor change in terminology may seem superficial and unnecessary but in view of the present difficulties in funding research and obtaining clearance for chemicals it can serve a useful purpose. The next symposium will be held in Europe in 1985. Dr Loyd Powell will be the general chairman and he will select a program chairman and other helpers as needed for a successful meeting. | |
