Plant physiology is highly responsive to the prevailing environmental conditions, and plays a critical role in crop productivity. Active management of plant physiology, therefore, plays an important role in crop production. A diverse group of biochemical compounds known as plant growth regulators (PGRs) includes both natural and synthetic versions of natural substances that affect plant physiology.

A few examples of management tactics where PGRs are utlitized include thinning fruit on fruit trees in order to reduce over-cropping and increasing fruit size and using PGRs to increasing flower and fruit set. PGRs are also used to improve crop tolerance to a variety of abiotic stresses such as temperature and drought, and for managing fruit maturity during and after harvest to maintain a high level of fruit quality.

Growers use PGRs to regulate or alter major physiological functions of plants, thereby increasing productivity, yield, and quality. PGRs can also be used to manage crop development and harvest. PGR products are typically of low risk to the environment and are compatible with many other production inputs.