Paclobutrazol is a plant growth regulator widely used in agriculture and horticulture to manage plant growth and enhance flowering and fruiting. While it has proven benefits, like any chemical application in agriculture, it carries certain risks that are important to understand and mitigate.Paclobutrazol is primarily used on a variety of crops and ornamental plants to manage growth, promote more robust fruiting and flowering, and enhance stress resistance. Its application spans across various raw materials, including but not limited to:

Fruit Trees: It's widely used on fruit trees such as mangoes, apples, peaches, and citrus fruits to regulate growth, improve fruit set, and increase yield.
Cereals and Grains: In some cases, paclobutrazol is applied to cereals and grains like rice and wheat to reduce plant height, thus reducing the risk of lodging and improving resistance to environmental stressors.
Ornamental Plants: This growth regulator is also popular in the horticulture industry for managing the growth of ornamental plants and turfgrass, making them more aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain.
Vegetables: Although less common, paclobutrazol can be used on certain vegetables to control growth and improve yield under specific conditions.

Usage by Countries

The use of paclobutrazol varies significantly across the world, reflecting local agricultural practices, regulations, and crop preferences. Some of the countries where its use is notably prevalent include:

India: India is a significant user of paclobutrazol, especially for mango and other fruit crops. It is used to promote off-season flowering, increase fruit yield, and enhance the quality of produce.
China: In China, paclobutrazol is utilized for a wide range of applications, including fruit trees, cereals, and ornamental plants, as part of the country's intensive agricultural practices.
United States: The use of paclobutrazol in the U.S. is primarily focused on ornamental plants, turf management, and certain fruit crops, with strict regulations overseeing its application and residue levels in food.
Brazil: As a major agricultural producer, Brazil uses paclobutrazol for fruit cultivation, including citrus and other tropical fruits, to improve productivity and fruit quality.
Australia: In Australia, paclobutrazol is used in both agriculture and horticulture, particularly for fruit trees and ornamental plant management, with an emphasis on sustainable and regulated use.

According to iComplai platform, there has been an increase in the detection of Paclobutrazol in different raw materials. See the below graphs for more detail:

Data from iComplai dashboard showing products with Paclobutrazol

iComplai dashboard showing growth of Paclobutrazol by over the years

iComplai dashboard showing countries of origin for paclobutrazol

The regulatory landscape governing the use of paclobutrazol varies by country, reflecting differing priorities regarding food safety, environmental protection, and agricultural productivity. Each country has its own set of regulations and guidelines for the application of paclobutrazol, including permissible levels of use, application methods, and crops on which it can be used. This reflects a global effort to balance the benefits of paclobutrazol in enhancing agricultural and horticultural productivity with the need to protect human health and the environment.

Emerging Risk of Paclobutrazole