Gibberellinlike

Gibberellinlike refers to compounds that produce physiological effects in plants that resemble those of gibberellins (GAs). The term is used for both natural metabolites produced by plants and fungi and for synthetic or semi-synthetic substances designed to mimic GA activity. These substances may act as GA agonists, directly engaging the GA signaling pathway, or influence GA metabolism in ways that yield GA-like outcomes.

In plants, GA signaling involves the receptor GID1, which binds GA or GA-like molecules and promotes interaction with DELLA repressor proteins. This leads to ubiquitination and degradation of DELLA proteins, relieving repression of growth-promoting genes and resulting in responses such as seed germination, stem elongation, and flowering. Gibberellinlike compounds that can activate this pathway may do so with varying potency and selectivity, and some may bypass certain steps of GA biosynthesis.

Natural gibberellin–like substances were first identified in fungi such as Gibberella species, but broader sources include higher plants and endophytic organisms. Synthetic GA-like growth regulators have been developed to study GA signaling or to manipulate growth and development—for example, to promote germination or to modulate plant height and flowering in crops and ornamentals. The term emphasizes functional similarity rather than chemical identity to all gibberellins.

Research on gibberellinlike compounds contributes to understanding hormone perception and signaling, and to practical applications in agriculture and horticulture, where GA-like activity can influence seed germination, vigor, and developmental timing.