giberellin

Gibberellins are a group of plant hormones that play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development. These organic acids belong to the tetracyclic diterpenoid compounds and are primarily involved in processes such as seed germination, stem elongation, leaf expansion, and flowering.

First identified in the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, from which their name is derived, gibberellins are now known to be naturally produced in plants. They are synthesized mainly in young leaves and developing seeds and are transported through the xylem and phloem to target tissues. The hormone acts by stimulating cell division and elongation, thereby promoting overall plant growth.

Gibberellins influence several developmental stages, including breaking seed dormancy, regulating flowering time, and fruit development. They interact with other plant hormones, such as auxins and cytokinins, to coordinate growth responses according to environmental conditions.

Commercially, gibberellins have applications in agriculture and horticulture. They are used to induce flowering, increase fruit size, and promote uniform crop maturation. Synthetic forms of gibberellins are also employed to improve plant production and manage growth patterns in specific crop varieties.

Research on gibberellins continues to advance understanding of plant hormonal regulation and growth mechanisms, with ongoing studies exploring their potential in crop improvement and biotechnology. Overall, gibberellins are fundamental to plant developmental processes and have significant implications for agriculture and plant science.