Research Progress on the Application and Safety Analysis of Plant Growth Regulator in Fruits and Vegetables

Plant growth regulators can effectively improve the yield and quality of fruits and vegetables, and their application in fruit and vegetable production is increasing. The risk assessment of plant growth regulator residues has also become a research hotspot. The paper reviews the main categories, functions and application status of plant growth regulators in fruits and vegetables. The harm and residue status of several main growth regulators such as paclobutrazol, forchlorfenuron, gibberellic acid, ethephon and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in fruits and vegetables are summarized and analyzed. It is found that the average residue of ethephon in fruits and vegetables is the highest, and the residue of plant growth regulator in fruits and vegetables such as grapes, bean sprouts and strawberries is the most serious, and its potential safety hazards should be paid attention to. However, the current national plant growth regulator standards do not cover some fruits and vegetables. It is urgent to improve the relevant standards and risk assessment of plant growth regulator residues.