What is "chlormequat"

Chlormequat is an organic compound that is used as a plant growth regulator. It is typically sold as the chloride salt, chlormequat chloride, a colorless hygroscopic crystalline substance that is soluble in water and ethanol. It is an alkylating agent and a quaternary ammonium salt.

Chlormequat has been called the "most important inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis." As such, it inhibits cell elongation, resulting is thicker stalks, which are sturdier, facilitating harvesting of cereal crops.