1.

Outline the application of plant growth regulators (synthetic auxin, synthetic

gibberellins, synthetic ethylene) in agriculture.

1.1 Synthetic Auxin

o Influence plant growth
found in leaves and stems growth regulators and hormones
o Cell enlargement or elongation
located in meristems and shoot tips (terminal & lateral buds). Auxins move mainly
from apex (top) down.
o Lengthening of the internodes and influence the developing embryos

What happens when auxin is added to a stem. The stem will bend away from the auxin. It
elongates faster on the extra auxin side.
o Apical dominance
-high levels of auxin in the stem just above lateral buds block their growth (blockage of
growth of lateral buds by presence of terminal buds). If shoot tip is removed. The auxin level
behind the lateral buds is reduced and the lateral buds begin to grow. (the auxin which formed
the blockage to keep lateral buds small is reduced so
o Photo (light) and geotropism (gravity)
involved in tropism responses positive responses Flower initiation and development
Root initiation and development (rootone) used on cuttings to help stimulate root growth

o Auxins (IAA)
-Plant Growth Regulators - Indobutyric acid (IBA)(synthetic), napthaleneacetic acid
(NAA)(synthetic), 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2-4D) (synthetic)
-Hormone - indoleactic acid (IAA) (naturally occurring).

1.2 Synthetic Gibberellins (GA)

Gibberellic Acid
Have a regulatory function
Are produced in the shoot apex primarily in the leaf primordial and root system
Stimulates stem growth dra matically
Stimulates cell division, cell elongation (or both) and controls enzyme secretions
-Ex: - dwarf cultivars can be treated with GA and grow to normal heights
indicates dwarf species lack normal levels of GA
Involved in overcoming dormancy in seeds and buds.
GA translocates easily in the plant (able to move freely) in both directions
because produced in not only shoot apex but also in the root structure.

Used commercially in:

-Increasing fruit size of seedless grapes
-Stimulating seed germination & seedling growth

Promoting male flowers in cucumbers for seed production.

Overcoming cold requirements

 for some seed, application of GA foregoes the cold requirements (some seed require to be
frozen or placed in the refrigerator for a period of time before they will germinate).

1.3 Synthetic Ethylene

Gaseous hormone
Produced in the actively growing meristems of the plant, in senescing ripening or ageing
fruits, in senescence (aging or dying) flowers, in germinating seeds and in certain plant
tissues as a response to bending, wounding or bruising.
Ethylene as a gas, diffuses readily throughout the plant.
May promote leaf senescence and abscission (leaf fall).
Increases female flowers in cucumbers economically
- will increase fruit production.

Degreening of oranges, lemons and grapefruit

ethylene gas breaks down chlorophyll and lets colors show through.