Gibbereel

Gibbereel is a genus of fungi belonging to the family *Gibberellaceae*, which is notable for producing gibberellins, a class of plant hormones that regulate growth and development. The genus was first described by Japanese microbiologist Teijiro Kurosawa in 1926, who isolated the fungus from infected rice plants exhibiting abnormal elongation, a condition later termed "foolish seedling disease."

The most well-known species within the genus is *Gibberella fujikuroi*, now reclassified under the genus *Fusarium* as *Fusarium fujikuroi*. This fungus was initially studied for its ability to produce excessive gibberellic acid (GA₃), a gibberellin that causes uncontrolled stem growth in rice and other plants. Kurosawa’s research laid the foundation for the chemical synthesis of gibberellins, which are now widely used in agriculture to promote seed germination, flowering, and fruit setting.

Gibbereel species are primarily saprophytic or weakly pathogenic, thriving in warm, humid environments. They are commonly found in soil and decaying plant material, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While some strains can infect crops, causing economic losses, others have been cultivated for their industrial applications, such as the production of gibberellins in plant tissue culture and biotechnology.

The study of Gibbereel fungi has contributed significantly to plant physiology, enabling advancements in crop improvement and agricultural practices. Their role in gibberellin biosynthesis remains a key area of research, with implications for both fundamental science and applied horticulture.