Skip to content
KisanPe
General Agriculture

Lihocin Plant Growth Regulator: Chlormequat Chloride Guide

Lihocin is a chemical plant growth regulator containing chlormequat chloride 50% SL that moderates excessive vegetative plant growth in commercial crops. By inhibiting gibberellic acid biosynthesis, it reduces internode elongation, thickens plant stems, and channels vital assimilates toward flowering, fruit retention, and pod development in cotton, soybean, and groundnut. Applying the regulator at approved crop stages improves canopy structure and harvest quality.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Active Ingredient Chemistry and Physiological Action

Lihocin functions by interfering with hormonal synthesis responsible for excessive plant height.

Key biochemical attributes:

  • Active ingredient: Chlormequat chloride formulated as a 50% soluble liquid (SL).
  • Gibberellin inhibitor: Blocks cyclization in the early stages of gibberellic acid biosynthesis, suppressing excessive cell elongation.
  • Morphological impact: Results in shorter, thicker main stems, reduced internode distance, and deeper green foliage due to concentrated chlorophyll.

Target Crops and Application Windows

Applying chlormequat chloride during vegetative-to-reproductive transition redirects nutrients into economic yield parts.

Approved crop applications:

  • Cotton: Applied during square initiation and early flowering to prevent rank vegetative growth, improve light penetration, and reduce boll shedding.
  • Soybean: Sprayed at the initiation of flowering to prevent lodging, promote branching, and enhance pod setting.
  • Groundnut: Curbs excessive vine growth, promoting peg entry into the soil and uniform pod development.
  • Vegetables and grapes: Used in tomato and grapevine management to regulate vine vigor and encourage uniform berry clusters.

Dosage Precision and Application Precautions

Because plant growth regulators are physiologically active at low concentrations, dosage accuracy is critical.

Spraying guidelines:

  • Strict label dose: Apply only at approved manufacturer dilutions per acre; overdosing can cause stunted growth or delayed maturity.
  • Soil moisture check: Apply only when there is adequate soil moisture; avoid spraying crops under acute drought or water stress.
  • Personal protection: Wear protective rubber gloves, eye goggles, and a face shield during mixing and sprayer loading.

Official source

Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.

Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage ↗

Related on KisanPe

Common questions

What is the active chemical ingredient in Lihocin?

Lihocin contains Chlormequat Chloride 50% SL, a synthetic plant growth regulator.

How does Lihocin benefit cotton farming?

It arrests rank vegetative growth, shortens internodes, promotes square formation, and reduces boll drop in cotton crops.

Can Lihocin be applied to water-stressed crops?

No, growth regulators should never be applied to crops suffering from severe moisture stress or nutrient deficiency.

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

More General Agriculture guides

Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.

Ask Sakhi
Download KisanPe App