Thidiazuron is widely used in agriculture as a plant growth regulator, particularly in cotton farming to facilitate defoliation before harvesting. It promotes the shedding of leaves, which helps in mechanical harvesting by reducing leaf interference. Additionally, it is applied in tissue culture to induce shoot formation and improve plant regeneration, making it valuable in plant propagation and genetic research. Its cytokinin-like activity also aids in delaying senescence and enhancing the shelf life of certain fruits and vegetables.