indole3butyric

Indole-3-butyric acid, commonly abbreviated IBA, is a plant growth regulator in the auxin family. It occurs in trace amounts in some plant species and is widely produced synthetically for horticultural use. As an auxin, IBA promotes rooting by stimulating cell division and elongation at the base of cuttings, leading to the formation of adventitious roots. In many plants, IBA is converted to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the principal natural auxin, and it activates auxin signaling pathways that regulate gene expression involved in root initiation and development.

IBA is favored in horticulture because it is relatively stable to light and heat compared with IAA. It is poorly soluble in water, so commercial products are formulated as powders, gels, or solutions with carriers such as alcohols or organic solvents, sometimes mixed with inert carriers like talc. Its effectiveness depends on species, tissue type, concentration, and exposure duration. Excessive amounts can inhibit rooting or cause phytotoxic effects.

Beyond rooting of cuttings, IBA is used in plant tissue culture and as a reference auxin in research. In humans and animals, handling should follow standard safety practices to minimize exposure, as with other chemical reagents. IBA is not typically considered highly toxic to humans, but ingestion or dermal exposure should be avoided, and products should be used according to label directions and safety guidelines.