In the quest to stabilize crop yields amid intensifying climate variability, researchers are turning to controlled environment agriculture and strategic chemical regulation. A recent study published in *Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca* sheds light on how growth regulators can optimize the morphological development and yield of green beans (*Phaseolus vulgaris L.*), offering promising insights for the agriculture sector.
The study, led by Nikolina ĐEKIĆ from the University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture, investigated the effects of three commercial growth regulator formulations—Formulation S, Formulation B, and Formulation N—on a local indeterminate green bean accession (GB00788) under controlled greenhouse conditions. The findings reveal significant treatment responses that could reshape cultivation strategies and enhance resource use efficiency.
Formulation B notably enhanced root mass, while Formulation S significantly increased root mass, stem apical diameter, total inflorescences, and secondary branching. “Formulation S maximized pod mass on the main stem but simultaneously reduced pod mass on secondary branches, demonstrating a strong trade-off in assimilate allocation,” ĐEKIĆ explained. This trade-off highlights the complex interplay between different growth regulators and their impact on plant development.
Both Formulation B and Formulation N significantly improved early yield, with Formulation B achieving 2.63 ± 0.82 kg m⁻² and Formulation N reaching 2.46 ± 0.73 kg m⁻². These results underscore the potential of growth regulators to optimize biomass partitioning and enhance yield stability in modern greenhouse production.
The study’s findings provide actionable insights for developing genotype-specific cultivation strategies. By integrating superior genetic accessions with precise chemical regulation, farmers can achieve more consistent and higher yields, even in the face of climate variability. “This research reveals the complex, differential physiological effects of growth regulators on green bean development and biomass partitioning,” ĐEKIĆ noted. “The findings offer high-value, actionable insights for enhancing resource use efficiency and yield stability in modern greenhouse production.”
As the agriculture sector continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, the strategic use of growth regulators and controlled environment agriculture could become increasingly vital. This research not only advances our understanding of plant morphology and growth regulation but also paves the way for more sustainable and efficient crop production practices. The insights gained from this study could shape future developments in the field, offering new opportunities for farmers to optimize their yields and adapt to changing environmental conditions.