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Phytohormones: Types, Functions, and Agricultural Applications
June 21, 2024
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July 15, 2024Gibberellins are essential plant hormones that play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants.
In this article, we will explore in depth what gibberellins are, what they are used for, and how they are used in agriculture to improve crop yields
What are gibberellins?
Gibberellins are a group of phytohormones that influence various growth and development processes in plants. Discovered in Japan at the end of the 19th century, more than 150 variants of these hormones have now been identified. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is one of the most studied and used forms in agriculture due to its multiple benefits.
History and Discovery of Gibberellins
The discovery of gibberellins began with observations in rice crops in Japan, where abnormal growth of plants, known as “foolish seedling disease,” was noted. Subsequent research identified that the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi produced a substance that induced this excessive growth. This substance was identified as gibberellic acid (GA3).
Importance of Gibberellins in Plant Development
Gibberellins regulate a wide range of physiological processes in plants, including:
Stem Elongation
They promote cell elongation, essential for the development of tall and robust plants. In commercial crops, optimizing plant height improves exposure to light and competition for resources.
Seed Germination
During germination, gibberellins activate enzymes that degrade starch and other reserves in the seeds, providing the necessary energy for initial growth. This process ensures rapid and uniform germination, crucial for agricultural productivity.
Flowering
Gibberellins influence the regulation of flowering, affecting both floral development and flowering time. In long-day plants, they can induce flowering under adequate light conditions, allowing farmers to synchronize production with optimal climatic conditions.
Fruit Development
They play a crucial role in fruit development, influencing their size, shape, and quality. The application of gibberellins can significantly improve the consistency and appearance of fruits, making them more attractive for the market.
Agricultural Applications of Gibberellins
Gibberellins have outstanding practical applications in diverse types of crops:
1. Fruit Trees:
Grapes: Used to increase berry size and improve cluster quality.
Apples and Pears: Applied to improve fruit set and reduce premature drop.
Citrus: Increase fruit size and enhance appearance.
2. Vegetables:
Tomatoes: Promote fruit growth and development, improving production.
Cucumbers: Induce the formation of seedless fruits, desirable in the market.
Lettuce: Used to prevent premature bolting and improve foliage quality.
3. Cereals:
Rice: Stimulate stem elongation and improve seed germination, resulting in a more robust and homogeneous crop.
Wheat: Promote the growth and development of spikes, improving yield.
Production and Methods of Obtaining Gibberellins
Gibberellins can be obtained through various methods, both natural and commercial:
Natural Synthesis
Occurs in young shoots, seeds, and roots. Plants produce diverse types of gibberellins from terpenoid precursors through a series of enzymatic reactions.
Commercial Acquisition
Performed through microbial fermentation using the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi. This method allows large-scale production of gibberellins for application in agriculture and horticulture.
Homemade Gibberellins
It is possible to produce gibberellins using germinated legume seeds or by fermenting plant material with certain fungi. Although their concentration and consistency may vary, their use can be beneficial for small crops and home gardening.
Agronomic Applications of Gibberellic Acid (GA3)
Gibberellic acid (GA3) is one of the most widely used gibberellins in agriculture due to its multiple benefits. Its agronomic applications include:
#1
Improvement of Fruit Size and Quantity
Increases the size and quality of fruits in crops such as citrus, grapes, and apples
#2
Promotion of Seed Germination
Improves germination and initial growth of seedlings.
#3
Regulation of Flowering
Allows synchronization of production and improves pollination efficiency.
#4
Inhibition of Fruit Drop
Reduces premature fruit drops, ensuring a more abundant and better-quality harvest.
Conclusion
Gibberellins are a powerful tool in modern agriculture. Understanding what they are used for and how to apply them correctly can make a significant difference in crop yield and quality. Integrating these plant hormones into agricultural practices allows farmers to significantly improve their results, promoting healthier and more efficient plant growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gibberellins
What are gibberellins and what is their main function in plants?
Gibberellins are a group of plant hormones known as phytohormones. They play a key role in regulating plant growth and development, involving processes such as seed germination, stem elongation, flowering, fruit formation, and leaf senescence. Their main function is to promote cell growth by elongating cells, resulting in an increase in plant size.
How are gibberellins synthesized and regulated in plants?
Gibberellins are synthesized from chemical precursors in the plant, in the young tissues of leaves, roots, and seeds. The synthesis of gibberellins involves several enzymatic steps controlled by specific genes. Their regulation includes enzymatic degradation mechanisms and chemical modification to maintain an adequate balance of these hormones throughout the plant’s life cycle.
What is the role of gibberellins in seed germination and stem elongation?
Gibberellins are crucial for seed germination by breaking dormancy, allowing seeds to germinate through the production and release of enzymes that degrade stored reserves. In stem elongation, gibberellins stimulate cell division and elongation, resulting in significant vertical growth of the plant.
How do gibberellins affect flowering and fruit formation in plants?
Gibberellins influence flowering by regulating the transition from the vegetative phase to the reproductive phase of plants. They also play a crucial role in fruit formation, promoting their development and improving their size and quality. For example, in grape crops, gibberellins are used to increase berry size and improve cluster quality.
What factors affect the activity of gibberellins in plants?
The activity of gibberellins can be influenced by the hormone concentration, environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and light), and interaction with other plant hormones such as auxins and cytokinins. These interactions can be synergistic or antagonistic, depending on the hormones and biological processes involved.
What practical applications do gibberellins have in agriculture?
In agriculture, gibberellins are used to promote seed germination, improve vegetative growth, induce flowering, and increase fruit size. They are applied in fruit trees, vegetables, and cereal crops to improve yield and quality of agricultural products. Additionally, their use can help synchronize production with optimal climatic conditions.
Are there practical applications of gibberellins in the food industry?
Yes, gibberellins are used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of certain products and improve their appearance. They are also applied to induce fruit ripening and improve their size and quality, making them more attractive for the market.
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