Plant Growth Regulators Market Size (2025 – 2030)

The Global Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) Market was valued at USD 4.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.

Plant growth regulators are chemical substances that influence the growth and differentiation of plant tissues, making them essential for improving crop yield, quality, and stress tolerance.

Increasing agricultural demands due to a rising global population, coupled with climate-related challenges, are fueling the adoption of plant growth regulators in both traditional and modern farming practices. The shift toward sustainable and organic farming is also contributing to market growth, as PGRs provide an eco-friendly solution for enhancing crop productivity.

Key Market Insights

• Cytokinins and gibberellins are the leading product types, together accounting for over 55% of market revenue in 2024.

• The cereals & grains application segment dominates the market due to their extensive cultivation and importance in food security.

• Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market, contributing over 40% of global revenue, driven by agricultural innovations and expanding food demands.

• The rising trend of organic farming is increasing the adoption of natural plant growth regulators.

• Biostimulants and PGR combinations are emerging as innovative products, gaining traction in modern agriculture.

• The integration of PGRs with precision farming technologies is expected to provide a significant boost to the market.

Global Plant Growth Regulators Market Drivers

1. Rising Need to Improve Crop Productivity and Quality is driving the market growth

The global population is projected to exceed 9.7 billion by 2050, creating unprecedented demand for food production. Farmers are under increasing pressure to optimize crop yields while maintaining soil health and ensuring sustainability.

Plant growth regulators enhance root and shoot development, improve flowering and fruiting, and increase stress tolerance in plants. Their application in improving crop quality, such as grain size, color, and nutrient content, is driving their adoption across agricultural sectors. Additionally, the use of PGRs in addressing abiotic stress factors, such as drought and salinity, is becoming increasingly critical in ensuring food security.

2. Increasing Adoption of Organic and Sustainable Farming Practices is driving the market growth

With growing consumer awareness about food safety and environmental concerns, the demand for organic farming is rising. Organic farmers are adopting plant growth regulators derived from natural sources as part of integrated crop management systems.

PGRs such as gibberellins and cytokinins play a pivotal role in organic farming, promoting growth without the use of synthetic inputs. The regulatory support for sustainable agriculture, including initiatives from organizations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is further propelling market growth.

3. Climate Change and Stress Resilience in Crops is driving the market growth

Climate change has introduced new challenges for agriculture, including erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased pest infestations. Plant growth regulators are being extensively used to mitigate these challenges by improving crop resilience to environmental stressors.

For example, abscisic acid helps plants conserve water during drought conditions, while ethylene-based products aid in stress recovery and enhance fruit ripening. This ability to counter climate-induced stresses is driving the adoption of PGRs, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change.

Global Plant Growth Regulators Market Challenges and Restraints

1. Stringent Regulatory Framework is restricting the market growth

The production and use of plant growth regulators are subject to stringent regulations to ensure their safety for humans, animals, and the environment. Regulatory approvals are often time-consuming and costly, acting as a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the market.

In some regions, the limited availability of regulatory-compliant PGR products is restricting their adoption. Manufacturers are investing in R&D and working closely with regulatory authorities to address compliance challenges, but the stringent framework remains a significant restraint.

2. High Costs and Limited Awareness Among Farmers is restricting the market growth

The relatively high cost of plant growth regulators, compared to traditional fertilizers and pesticides, limits their adoption among small-scale farmers, particularly in developing economies. Additionally, a lack of awareness about the benefits of PGRs and proper application techniques further hinders market growth.

To overcome this, companies are focusing on farmer education programs, offering trial packages, and introducing cost-effective product formulations. Partnerships with agricultural cooperatives and government agencies are also being explored to improve market penetration.

Market Opportunities

The Global Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) Market presents a compelling growth trajectory, driven by a confluence of factors. Advancements in biotechnology are enabling the development of novel, natural, and biobased PGRs, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimizing environmental impact. Innovations in microbial and enzymatic technologies are paving the way for the production of eco-friendly PGRs with enhanced efficacy and specificity. Furthermore, the rise of precision agriculture, powered by Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics, is revolutionizing the application of PGRs. Smart farming tools facilitate real-time monitoring of soil and crop conditions, enabling precise and efficient application of PGRs to maximize yields while minimizing wastage. The use of PGRs is expanding beyond traditional food crops into new application areas, such as turf management, ornamental plants, and biofuel crops, thereby diversifying the market and creating new growth opportunities. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Africa are witnessing rapid growth in agricultural innovations, supported by government initiatives and foreign investments. Countries like India, China, and Nigeria are investing heavily in modern farming technologies, including the adoption of PGRs, presenting significant opportunities for manufacturers to tap into these growing markets. These factors, combined with increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably produced food, position the PGR market for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.

PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Plant Growth Regulators Market Segmentation - By Product Type

• Auxins

• Cytokinins

• Gibberellins

• Ethylene

• Abscisic Acid

Cytokinins currently dominate the plant growth regulator market due to their diverse applications in agriculture. These plant hormones play crucial roles in promoting cell division, delaying leaf senescence, and enhancing fruit development. This translates to increased crop yields and improved fruit quality, making them highly sought after by farmers. Gibberellins are another major class of PGRs, widely adopted for their ability to increase crop size and yield. They are particularly effective in promoting stem elongation, increasing fruit size, and breaking seed dormancy, leading to significant improvements in crop productivity.

Plant Growth Regulators Market Segmentation - By Application

• Cereals & Grains

• Fruits & Vegetables

• Turf & Ornamentals

• Others

The cereals and grains segment dominates the plant growth regulators (PGRs) market, driven by the high global demand for staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize. These crops are vital for food security and are cultivated on a massive scale worldwide. PGRs play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and resilience of cereal and grain crops. By manipulating plant growth and development, PGRs can improve grain size, increase yield, and enhance resistance to lodging (falling over due to strong winds or heavy rain), a significant challenge in high-yielding varieties.

Plant Growth Regulators Market Segmentation - By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the plant growth regulators market, accounting for over 40% of global revenue in 2024, driven by extensive agricultural activities, increasing adoption of modern farming practices, and supportive government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture. North America is a mature market with significant adoption of PGRs in precision farming and organic agriculture, benefiting from advanced agricultural infrastructure and strong regulatory support. Europe holds a substantial market share due to its strong focus on sustainability and organic farming, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK investing heavily in agricultural research to enhance crop productivity. Latin America is an emerging market with significant growth potential, driven by expanding agricultural exports and government support for modern farming technologies, with Brazil and Argentina leading the way. The Middle East & Africa region is experiencing gradual growth, fueled by increasing investments in agricultural innovations and efforts to improve food security.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Global Plant Growth Regulators

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the Plant Growth Regulators Market. While disruptions in supply chains and agricultural operations initially hindered market growth, the crisis also underscored the importance of food security and sustainable farming practices. The increased focus on agricultural resilience post-pandemic has accelerated the adoption of plant growth regulators. Governments and organizations are investing in innovative agricultural technologies to address long-term challenges related to food production and climate change.

Latest Trends/Developments

The plant growth regulator (PGR) market is witnessing a dynamic landscape of innovation. Manufacturers are developing hybrid products that combine the benefits of biostimulants and PGRs, creating synergistic effects that enhance crop performance, improve stress tolerance, and optimize resource utilization. Significant R&D investments are being made to develop both synthetic PGRs with improved efficacy and natural alternatives derived from microbial and enzymatic sources, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture is revolutionizing PGR application. These technologies enable precision application, optimizing usage rates, and minimizing wastage, thereby maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of PGR treatments. Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, manufacturers are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging materials, aligning their practices with environmental regulations and consumer preferences. Furthermore, collaborative initiatives, including public-private partnerships and international collaborations, are driving innovation and market expansion by fostering knowledge sharing, accelerating research and development, and facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge PGR technologies across the agricultural landscape.

Key Players

1. BASF SE

2. Bayer AG

3. Syngenta AG

4. Corteva Agriscience

5. FMC Corporation

6. Valent BioSciences Corporation

7. Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd.

8. UPL Limited

9. Nufarm Limited

10. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.