Daminozide, commercially known as ALAR, is a plant growth regulator used to control the size of apples and other fruits. It was widely used in the United States until 1989 when it was banned due to health concerns. Daminozide is a synthetic chemical that works by inhibiting the production of ethylene, a hormone that controls fruit ripening. It is still used in some countries, but its use has been greatly reduced due to safety concerns.