Gibberellic Acid

Did you ever know that plants also have certain hormones that help in their growth, production of fruits and flowers and for regeneration? (And we thought that hormones were associated only with humans!) The various plant hormones and their functions include germination of seeds, growth of the plant and producing flowers and fruits. Gibberellins are a group of compounds that are found in the plant's body, particularly in the plant cell whose function is plant development. This compound is also found in seeds and aids in the germination of seeds and also growth of new parts. There are approximately 126 types of gibberellin known till date. This hormone is produced in the plant's body through the process of biosynthesis. Biosynthesis, also known as biogenesis is a process where simple enzymes undergo catalysis and are converted into complex byproducts. Gibberellin is also used as a plant food, in the form of gibberellic acid, to enhance growth of plants, particularly, crops.

The Association Between Gibberellic Acid and Plant Growth

As we have seen earlier, gibberellin is a compound that is found in plants that triggers growth and development. If you notice new shoots or leaves bursting forth from the plant or there are fresh flowers or tiny fruits hanging from the branches, then you can guess the reason behind it - gibberellic acid. Gibberellin was first discovered in the year 1926, when a group of Japanese botanists came across some rice crops, that were abnormally high and would be unable to stand tall, weighed down by excess grains. On closer examination, it was discovered that the rice crop was 'infested' with fungi. This fungal infestation was responsible for this uncontrolled growth of the crop. The fungus was separated from the plant for further examination and gibberellic acid came into being in the year 1935 for the purpose of agriculture.

Gibberellin, which is used for agricultural purpose, is a hormone that is extracted from the Gibberella fujikuroi fungus. This acid is also known by other names like Gibberellin A3, GA3 or simply GA. The compound undergoes the process of purification and gives a pale yellow colored powder as the end product, which is then used to treat the plants and increase their production of fruits or flowers. This plant compound is also available in liquid form. There are a number of advantages of using this plant growth regulator, which is used on a commercial basis on a large-scale, since it increases the productivity of the crops. This hormone influences the plant growth process, like germination of seeds, stimulation of roots and shoots growth, and even mitosis is some plants. The popular seedless variety of grapes is the byproduct of the use of gibberellic acid. This compound helps plants produce seedless fruits that are fully matured. The crop yield is also increased due to gibberellic acid.

Though gibberellin naturally occurs in plants, it is in small quantities. Gibberellic acid, manufactured for gardening and agricultural purposes, is used to induce the plants to produce more fruits. Using this commercially produced plant hormone on the plants can yield better variety of fruits and vegetables that are much bigger and juicer than the other varieties, that have not used gibberellin. Other advantages of this plant hormone is that when used on a wilted plant, the plant may regrow again. This is because the ingredients in this processed plant hormone are easily absorbed in the plant's body and begin the action of reconstruction of the dying plant cells.

You can contact your nearest nursery or gardening store, if you want to buy this plant hormone, as they may have a supply of this plant growth stimulator. The plant specialist will also guide you on the appropriate dosage to be administered to the plant, as an excess will have a negative effect on the plants. There are also some online stores from where you can avail gibberellic acid for your plants.