Cyclanilide is a plant growth regulator, that is registered for the use in cotton. In combination with mepiquat chloride, cyclanilide is used for early season growth management, to prevent excessive vegetative growth, and produce a uniform stand. Alternatively, cyclanilide is combined with ethephon and utilized at the end of the season as a harvest aid, primarily for defoliation, boll opening and prevent vegetative re-growth. Cyclanilide has also been used alone to induce lateral branching in apple trees. Study of the mechanism of action suggests that cyclanilide interferes with the regulation of auxin flux.