Detailed Summary of Gibberellins
Gibberellins are a group of plant growth regulators (PGRs) that play a crucial role in regulating growth and development in plants. Discovered from the fungal pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi that causes 'bakanae' disease in rice, gibberellins exist in over 100 forms, with gibberellic acid (GA₃) being the most well-studied.
Key Functions of Gibberellins:
- Stem Elongation: They stimulate internode elongation, helping plants grow taller.
- Fruit Development: Gibberellins enhance fruit shape and stimulate seedless fruit development (parthenocarpy) in crops like grapes and tomatoes.
- Delay of Senescence: They can delay the aging process in fruits, extending the shelf life and marketable period by slowing down the ripening process.
- Agricultural Applications: Gibberellins have practical applications in the brewing industry, increasing the yield of sugarcane, and promoting flowering in various plants.
Importance in Agriculture:
Gibberellins significantly influence agricultural practices. For instance, applying gibberellins to sugarcane can boost yield by as much as 20 tonnes per acre, while they also support faster maturity in conifers, leading to earlier seed production.
Gibberellins are integral to plant growth and development, connecting directly to many physiological processes essential for plant fitness and productivity.