Global Plant Growth Regulators Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Origin;
Biological and Synthetic.By Crop Type;
Pulses and oilseeds, Grains and cereals, Fruits and vegetables, Turf and ornamentals and Others.By Type;
Auxins, Cytokinins, Gibberellins, Ethylene, and Abscisic acid.By Formulation;
Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules, Solutions, and Wettable powders.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Plant Growth Regulators Market was valued at USD 4,871.46 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 9,372.93 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.8%.
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market encompasses a diverse range of chemical compounds, hormones, and substances that influence the growth, development, and physiological processes of plants. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a pivotal role in modern agriculture by offering solutions to enhance crop productivity, optimize yield, and improve the quality of agricultural produce. These regulators are extensively utilized in various agricultural practices, including crop cultivation, horticulture, and floriculture, to modulate plant growth patterns, stimulate flowering and fruiting, and manage plant responses to environmental stresses. As the global population continues to burgeon, and agricultural productivity faces the challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation, the demand for innovative plant growth regulators intensifies, driving research, development, and commercialization efforts in the global market.
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market is characterized by a diverse portfolio of products, encompassing synthetic and bio-based regulators, each offering unique modes of action and applications across different crops and agricultural systems. With advancements in biotechnology, genomics, and chemical synthesis, the market witnesses the introduction of novel PGR formulations, formulations with improved efficacy, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical regulators. Moreover, regulatory frameworks, sustainability initiatives, and consumer preferences shape the landscape of the plant growth regulators market, influencing product development, market dynamics, and industry strategies. Against this backdrop, stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, agrochemical companies, research institutions, and policymakers, navigate opportunities and challenges in harnessing the potential of plant growth regulators to meet the evolving needs of global agriculture and ensure food security in a sustainable manner.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market Recent Developments
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In May 2022, BASF SE completed the acquisition of Horta, an Italian company specializing in digital farming solutions. This acquisition aims to bolster BASF SE's agriculture solutions portfolio to meet the increasing demand for digital farming solutions in the agriculture sector.
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In September 2022, Corteva announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Symborg, a leading expert in microbiological technologies based in Murcia, Spain. This strategic move is expected to expedite the development of Corteva's biological solutions portfolio, including plant growth regulators, enabling the company to introduce innovative products to the market.
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In May 2022, Nufarm finalized the acquisition of Pentia, a plant growth regulator, from BASF SE, along with the completion of a new Pentia product facility. With Nufarm becoming the exclusive manufacturer and supplier of Pentia, this development will facilitate mass production of the plant growth regulator, meeting the growing demand from customers effectively.
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In June 2020, ChemChina and Sinochem announced the merger of their agribusinesses, Syngenta Group and ADAMA, forming the Syngenta Group Co. This consolidation aims to establish the world's leading agriculture inputs company, encompassing crop protection, seeds, fertilizers, and digital technologies, thereby enhancing their global market presence and capabilities.
Segment Analysis
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market is segmented based on various factors to cater to the diverse needs of agriculture and horticulture sectors. These segments include origin, crop type, type of plant growth regulators (PGRs), and formulation.
Biological PGRs are derived from natural sources such as plants, microbes, and organic compounds, offering environmentally friendly solutions for plant growth regulation. On the other hand, synthetic PGRs are chemically synthesized compounds designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring plant hormones, providing precise control over plant growth processes.
Different crops have varying growth requirements, and the application of PGRs can help optimize their growth, yield, and quality. Pulses and oilseeds, grains and cereals, fruits and vegetables, turf and ornamentals, and other crops constitute major segments in the market, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for PGR utilization.
Plant growth regulators are categorized based on their chemical composition and physiological effects on plant growth. Auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene, and abscisic acid are the primary types of PGRs, each influencing specific aspects of plant growth and development, such as cell elongation, root initiation, flowering, fruit setting, and stress responses.
Plant growth regulators are available in different formulations to facilitate their application and effectiveness. Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules, solutions, and wettable powders are common formulations used for PGRs, offering ease of handling, uniform application, and efficient absorption by plants, thereby optimizing their growth-regulating effects.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Plant Growth Regulators Market has been segmented by Origin, Crop Type, Type, Formulation and Geography.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, Segmentation by Origin
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market has been segmented by Origin into Biological and Synthetic.
Biological PGRs are derived from natural sources such as plants, microbes, and organic compounds, offering environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemical regulators. These biological PGRs exert their effects through natural pathways and mechanisms, influencing plant growth, development, and physiological processes without the use of synthetic chemicals. Examples of biological PGRs include auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and brassinosteroids derived from plant extracts, as well as microbial-based formulations containing beneficial bacteria or fungi that promote plant growth and health. Synthetic PGRs are chemically synthesized compounds designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring plant hormones and growth regulators. These synthetic PGRs are often produced through chemical synthesis or modification of natural compounds to enhance their stability, efficacy, and specificity. Synthetic PGRs offer advantages such as precise control over plant growth responses, consistent performance across different environmental conditions, and prolonged shelf life compared to biological alternatives. Common examples of synthetic PGRs include synthetic auxins such as 2,4-D and synthetic cytokinins such as kinetin, as well as synthetic inhibitors of plant growth such as paclobutrazol and daminozide. Synthetic PGRs are widely used in modern agriculture to manipulate plant growth, improve crop quality, and optimize yield potential in diverse cropping systems. The segmentation of the Plant Growth Regulators Market by origin reflects the evolving trends and preferences in agriculture towards sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. While synthetic PGRs have historically dominated the market due to their effectiveness and widespread availability, there is a growing interest and demand for biological alternatives among farmers, consumers, and regulatory agencies. Biological PGRs offer inherent advantages such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and minimal environmental impact, aligning with the principles of sustainable agriculture and organic farming. As the demand for organic and environmentally friendly agricultural products continues to rise, the market for biological PGRs is expected to witness significant growth and innovation, driving the adoption of sustainable practices and contributing to the overall sustainability of global agriculture.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, Segmentation by Crop Type
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market has been segmented by Crop Type into Pulses and oilseeds, Grains and cereals, Fruits and vegetables, Turf and ornamentals and Others.
Pulses and oilseeds comprise a significant segment of the market, including crops such as soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, and oilseed rape. PGRs are commonly used in pulses and oilseeds to optimize plant growth, enhance seed germination, and improve crop yield and quality. These regulators help regulate flowering, fruit setting, and pod development, ensuring optimal productivity and profitability for farmers engaged in pulse and oilseed cultivation. Grains and cereals represent another prominent segment of the Plant Growth Regulators Market, encompassing staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, barley, and oats. PGRs play a crucial role in grain and cereal production by modulating plant growth, tillering, and grain filling processes to maximize yield potential and grain quality. By influencing physiological processes such as stem elongation, root development, and nutrient uptake, PGRs enable farmers to manage crop growth, lodging, and stress responses effectively, thereby improving overall productivity and resilience in grains and cereals. Fruits and vegetables constitute a significant segment of the Plant Growth Regulators Market, covering a diverse array of crops ranging from apples, oranges, and grapes to tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. PGRs are widely utilized in fruit and vegetable production to regulate flowering, fruit setting, ripening, and post-harvest quality attributes. By manipulating plant hormones and growth processes, PGRs help synchronize flowering and fruiting cycles, enhance fruit size, color, and flavor, and extend shelf life, thereby meeting consumer preferences for high-quality and visually appealing fruits and vegetables. Additionally, PGRs play a vital role in turf management and ornamental horticulture, where they are used to promote turfgrass growth, improve turf density and color, and regulate flowering and growth habits in ornamental plants, contributing to the aesthetic appeal and functionality of landscapes, gardens, and recreational spaces.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market has been segmented by Type into Auxins, Cytokinins, Gibberellins, Ethylene and Abscisic acid.
Auxins are a class of plant hormones responsible for regulating various aspects of plant growth and development, including cell elongation, root initiation, and apical dominance. Auxins play a crucial role in phototropism, gravitropism, and tropic responses, enabling plants to respond to environmental stimuli and optimize growth patterns. Common auxin-based PGRs include indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), which are used to stimulate root growth, improve fruit set, and enhance branching in agricultural crops. Cytokinins are another class of plant growth regulators that regulate cell division, shoot growth, and organ development in plants. Cytokinins promote cell proliferation, delay senescence, and stimulate lateral bud development, contributing to overall plant vigor and productivity. Synthetic cytokinins such as kinetin and benzyladenine are commonly used in agriculture to promote shoot formation, increase fruit size, and delay aging in harvested produce. Additionally, cytokinins play a vital role in tissue culture and micropropagation techniques, where they are used to induce shoot proliferation and regenerate plants from tissue explants, facilitating the rapid propagation of elite plant varieties.
Gibberellins represent a class of plant hormones that regulate stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering in plants. Gibberellins promote cell elongation, fruit enlargement, and flowering induction, enabling plants to overcome growth constraints and optimize reproductive success. Synthetic gibberellins such as gibberellic acid (GA3) are widely used in agriculture to promote internode elongation, increase fruit size, and induce flowering in various crops. Ethylene and Abscisic Acid are two additional classes of plant growth regulators that play diverse roles in plant growth, stress responses, and fruit ripening processes. Ethylene regulates fruit ripening, senescence, and abscission, while abscisic acid mediates seed dormancy, stomatal closure, and stress tolerance in plants. Collectively, these different types of plant growth regulators contribute to the regulation of various physiological processes and developmental pathways in plants, providing valuable tools for optimizing crop production, quality, and resilience in agricultural systems.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, Segmentation by Formulation
The Global Plant Growth Regulators Market has been segmented by Formulation into Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules, Solutions and Wettable powders.
Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules are one of the commonly used formulations of PGRs, comprising finely ground particles that can be easily dispersed or dissolved in water. These granular formulations offer convenience in handling, storage, and application, as they can be easily mixed with water to prepare uniform spray solutions for foliar or soil application. Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules provide precise control over PGR dosage and application rates, ensuring uniform coverage and effective distribution of active ingredients across plant surfaces and root zones. Solutions represent another prevalent formulation of PGRs, consisting of liquid formulations containing dissolved or suspended active ingredients in a carrier solvent or emulsifier. PGR solutions offer flexibility in application methods, allowing for foliar sprays, drenches, injections, or irrigation applications depending on crop requirements and agronomic practices. These liquid formulations enable rapid uptake and absorption of PGRs by plant tissues, facilitating quick onset of growth regulatory effects and enhanced crop response. Moreover, PGR solutions can be conveniently tank-mixed with other agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, or micronutrients, enabling integrated pest management (IPM) and crop management strategies to optimize plant health and productivity. Wettable powders represent a powdered formulation of PGRs that can be easily dispersed and suspended in water to form a uniform spray suspension for application to plants. Wettable powders consist of finely ground particles coated with wetting agents or surfactants to enhance dispersibility and adhesion to plant surfaces. These powdered formulations offer stability, shelf life, and ease of handling, storage, and transportation compared to liquid formulations. Wettable powders provide effective coverage and penetration of plant tissues, allowing for efficient delivery of PGRs to target sites of action within plants. Additionally, wettable powders offer versatility in application methods and compatibility with various crop protection products, enabling growers to integrate PGR applications into their overall crop management practices effectively.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Plant Growth Regulators Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Plant Growth Regulators Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2023
The distribution of the Global Plant Growth Regulators Market across different geographical regions reflects varying agricultural landscapes, cropping patterns, and regulatory environments worldwide. North America, comprising the United States and Canada, holds a significant share of the global market due to its advanced agricultural practices, extensive commercial farming operations, and high adoption of innovative crop management technologies. The region benefits from a strong research and development infrastructure, supportive regulatory frameworks, and widespread availability of PGR products and services, driving market growth and innovation in plant growth regulation solutions.
Europe represents another key market for plant growth regulators, encompassing countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The European market is characterized by a diverse agricultural sector, including both conventional and organic farming systems, as well as intensive horticultural production. Strict regulatory standards and certification requirements for agricultural inputs, including PGRs, contribute to the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in European agriculture. Additionally, increasing consumer demand for organic products, coupled with regulatory initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture and crop protection, influences the adoption of biological and organic PGRs in the European market.
Asia Pacific emerges as a rapidly growing market for plant growth regulators, driven by expanding agricultural activities, rising demand for food and fiber, and increasing adoption of modern farming practices across countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia. The region's diverse agro-climatic conditions, large population base, and growing awareness of the benefits of PGRs in enhancing crop productivity, quality, and resilience contribute to market expansion in Asia Pacific. Moreover, government initiatives promoting agricultural modernization, technology adoption, and sustainable farming practices further stimulate demand for PGRs in the region, presenting opportunities for market players to capitalize on the growing agricultural sector in Asia Pacific.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Plant Growth Regulators Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Increasing Agricultural Productivity
- Adoption of Sustainable Practices
- Technological Advancements - Technological advancements play a pivotal role in driving innovation and progress within the plant growth regulators (PGRs) market. Breakthroughs in biotechnology, genomics, and chemical synthesis have led to the development of novel PGR formulations with enhanced efficacy, specificity, and environmental safety profiles. Advancements in molecular biology have enabled researchers to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth regulation, facilitating the discovery and optimization of new active ingredients and formulations. Moreover, precision farming technologies, such as remote sensing, drones, and GPS-guided equipment, are increasingly integrated with PGR applications, enabling precise and targeted delivery of growth regulators based on real-time crop monitoring and analytics.
The convergence of digital technologies and agriculture, often referred to as AgTech or AgriTech, is revolutionizing the way PGRs are researched, developed, and applied. Digital platforms, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms enable farmers and agronomists to optimize PGR application strategies, predict crop responses, and maximize yield potential while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the development of biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides derived from microorganisms or natural sources represents a significant technological advancement in sustainable agriculture. These biological solutions offer alternatives to traditional chemical PGRs, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience while supporting crop growth and productivity in a sustainable manner. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing hold immense potential for revolutionizing plant breeding and trait enhancement, including the manipulation of plant growth regulators to achieve desired agronomic traits. CRISPR-based approaches offer precise and targeted modifications to plant genomes, enabling the development of crops with improved yield, resilience to environmental stresses, and nutritional quality. Additionally, advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials present opportunities for the delivery of PGRs in nanoformulations, enhancing their stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to plant tissues. These technological advancements underscore the transformative potential of innovation in shaping the future of plant growth regulation and sustainable agriculture.
Restraints
- Environmental Concerns
- Regulatory Restrictions
- High Initial Investment - The adoption of plant growth regulators (PGRs) often requires a significant initial investment, encompassing costs associated with product procurement, application equipment, and agronomic expertise. PGR formulations, especially those incorporating novel active ingredients or advanced delivery systems, can be costly to manufacture and purchase. Additionally, specialized application equipment and infrastructure may be necessary to ensure precise and effective application of PGRs in agricultural settings. Farmers and growers must invest in equipment such as sprayers, spreaders, or irrigation systems capable of delivering PGRs uniformly across their fields. Moreover, training and education are essential to ensure proper application techniques and compliance with safety regulations, adding to the initial investment required for adopting PGR technologies. The high initial investment in PGR adoption may act as a barrier, particularly for small-scale or resource-constrained farmers and growers. The upfront costs associated with purchasing PGR products and equipment may exceed the financial capabilities of some agricultural enterprises, limiting their ability to leverage the benefits of PGRs for optimizing crop production and quality. Moreover, uncertainty regarding the return on investment (ROI) and efficacy of PGRs in specific cropping systems or environmental conditions may deter farmers from making the initial investment, particularly if they perceive the technology as risky or unproven. As a result, access to affordable financing options, government subsidies, or incentive programs may be critical in facilitating PGR adoption and reducing the financial burden on growers, especially in regions with limited agricultural resources or economic challenges. Despite the challenges posed by high initial investment, innovative financing models and collaborative approaches are emerging to address this barrier and promote broader adoption of PGR technologies. Agribusinesses, research institutions, and government agencies are increasingly collaborating to provide financial support, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives to farmers and growers interested in adopting PGRs. Additionally, the development of bundled solutions, where PGR products and services are packaged with agronomic support and precision farming technologies, can help mitigate upfront costs and provide farmers with comprehensive solutions tailored to their specific needs and budget constraints. By addressing the challenge of high initial investment through strategic partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and value-added services, stakeholders can unlock the potential of PGRs to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience in diverse farming systems.
Opportunities
- Emerging Markets
- Research and Development
- Growing Demand for Organic Products - The increasing consumer preference for organic products has fueled a significant uptick in demand for organic produce, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and other agricultural commodities. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their health and well-being, as well as environmental sustainability, leading them to seek out organic options that are perceived as safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. This growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators has led to a shift in consumer preferences towards organic products that are produced without the use of synthetic chemicals. As a result, farmers and growers are facing mounting pressure to adopt organic farming practices, including the use of organic plant growth regulators (PGRs), to meet the escalating demand for organic produce and capitalize on premium pricing in organic markets. Regulatory initiatives and certification programs aimed at promoting organic agriculture further contribute to the growing demand for organic products. Governments around the world have implemented stringent regulations and standards governing the production, labeling, and marketing of organic products to ensure compliance with organic principles and practices. Certification bodies, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic and the European Union Organic Certification, play a crucial role in verifying compliance with organic standards and providing consumers with confidence in the authenticity and integrity of organic products. As organic certification becomes increasingly recognized and sought after by consumers, farmers are incentivized to transition to organic farming methods and utilize organic PGRs to meet the stringent requirements for organic certification and access premium organic markets. The growing demand for organic products presents significant opportunities for the development and commercialization of organic plant growth regulators (PGRs) derived from natural sources or bio-based formulations. Manufacturers and suppliers are investing in research and development efforts to innovate and expand their portfolio of organic PGR products that are compliant with organic standards and regulations. Bio-stimulants, bio-fertilizers, and other bio-based PGRs derived from plant extracts, seaweed, microbial fermentation, and other natural sources are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to synthetic PGRs. These organic PGRs offer growers effective solutions for enhancing crop productivity, improving plant health, and optimizing yield potential while aligning with consumer preferences for organic and environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Plant Growth Regulators Market include:
- Sumitomo Chemicals Co., Ltd.
- Xinyi Industrial Co., Ltd.
- Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical Co., Ltd.
- Tata Chemicals Ltd.
- UPL
- Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
- Barclay Chemicals Manufacturing Limited
- Fine Americas Inc
- Hangzhou Tianlong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Origin
- Market Snapshot, By Crop Type
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Formulation
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Increasing Agricultural Productivity
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Adoption of Sustainable Practices
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Technological Advancements
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- Restraints
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Environmental Concerns
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Regulatory Restrictions
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High Initial Investment
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- Opportunities
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Emerging Markets
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Research and Development
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Growing Demand for Organic Products
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, By Origin, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Biological
- Synthetic
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, By Crop Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Pulses and oilseeds
- Grains and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Turf and ornamentals
- Others
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Auxins
- Cytokinins
- Gibberellins
- Ethylene
- Abscisic acid
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, By Formulation, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Water-dispersible and water-soluble granules
- Solutions
- Wettable powders
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Plant Growth Regulators Market, By Origin, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Sumitomo Chemicals Co., Ltd.
- Xinyi Industrial Co., Ltd.
- Sichuan Guoguang Agrochemical Co., Ltd.
- Tata Chemicals Ltd.
- UPL
- Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
- Barclay Chemicals Manufacturing Limited
- Fine Americas Inc
- Hangzhou Tianlong Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market