Fine Americas Launches New PGR

Jennifer Zurko

Fine Americas, Inc. announced the launch of the new Piccolo 10 XC, a plant growth regulator for use on bedding plants. Featuring a 4.0% concentration of paclobutrazol, Piccolo 10 XC is 10 times stronger than current 0.4% formulations of the popular plant growth regulator.

“We believe new Piccolo 10 XC is a significant improvement over current paclobutrazol formulations,” said Greg Johnson, president of Fine Americas. “Since it comes in a true solution instead of a suspension, Piccolo 10 XC overcomes the potential settling problems associated with older paclobutrazol products. From a grower’s perspective, that means there is no need to shake the container prior to use in order to ensure uniform distribution of the active ingredient. In addition, the super-concentrated formulation translates to fewer plastic containers, lower shipping costs and a smaller carbon footprint for our industry.”

Kevin Forney, technical services manager for Fine Americas, noted that Piccolo 10 XC is a very user-friendly product. “One quart of new Piccolo 10 XC equals 2.5 gal. of our standard Piccolo formulation making storage, handling and mixing more convenient than ever,” he said. “And, like all of our products, new Piccolo 10 XC is manufactured under the strictest ISO 9001 quality control standards.”

Greenhouse trials on bedding plants by university researchers throughout the U.S. have shown similar efficacies with Piccolo 10 XC, Piccolo and Bonzi. As with older paclobutrazol formulations, new Piccolo 10 XC can be used as either a drench or spray to produce more compact and marketable plants. Forney added that continued evaluation of Piccolo 10 XC on other plant species is ongoing.

Always read and follow label directions before using Piccolo 10 XC or any plant growth regulator. For more product information, visit www.fine-americas.com. GT