The use of plant growth regulators (PGR's) in cotton production is a relatively new endeavor. Increased emphasis on growing cotton in short-season production systems has increased practices assuring enhanced establishment, maintenance, and hastened maturity of the crop in a shorter time frame. PGR's can aid in tailoring growth and development of the crop to production practices. By modifying cotton growth with PGR's, the potential for adapting to shorter-season production practices is thus increased.

PGR'S, defined as organic compounds other than nutrients that, in small concentrations, affect physiological processes of plants, vary in structure and uses Practically, PGR's are either natural or synthetic compounds applied directly to a plant or its dispersal unit to beneficially alter its life processes or structure. These beneficial alterations may include yield enhancement, improved quality, and facilitation of harvest.