Gibberellic Acid: The Growth Awakener of Plants

Gibberellic Acid is a hormone that has the potency to regulate growth rate, flowering, and appearance of the fruits. It was later discovered in 1926 by Japanese scientist Eiichi Kurosawa. Its discovery has a story behind it. Eiichi Kurosawa found that the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, which infected rice plants in Japan, is the source of Gibberellic Acid. He and then other scientists investigated the cause of the abnormal growth in the infected rice which grew tall and thin. From the fungus, they extracted a material that might encourage seed germination and stem elongation. They named that material Gibberellic Acid. It has since grown to be one of the most popular plant growth regulators worldwide.

How Gibberellic Acid Works in Plants

It acts like a signal messenger. It tells plant cells to divide and expand faster. It stimulates enzymes that break down stored food inside the seed. This energy is used by the embryos, and they start growing. This is why treated seeds germinate faster and more uniformly.

It also promotes cell elongation in stems and leaves, resulting in taller and healthier plants. In some crops, it delays ageing of leaves, which keeps them green for a longer time. The hormone also influences flowering and fruiting stages. In grapes, for example, it helps make larger berries and loosen the bunches for better air movement. In sugarcane it increases the length of internodes, giving higher cane yield.

Basically, it acts like a natural growth booster, but the key is in using it in proper concentration because too much can cause excessive elongation or thin stems.

The Range of Gibberellic Acid Products

At Peptech Biosciences Ltd., there are several formulations of GA3 designed to suit different agricultural uses. Each form has its purpose, depending on the crop, stage of growth, and method of application. Here’s a table that gives a clear idea:

The different formulations available with us allow the Agri brands to choose which best suits their portfolio. These can be sourced according to the market demand. For example, Gibberellic Acid 0.186% SP is often used for coating or soaking seeds before sowing, and Gibberellic Acid 20% SL is mostly used for spraying during vegetative growth.

Benefits of Using GA3

Here are some of the benefits. Let’s break it down simply.

1. Faster Germination: It causes early and timely sprouting in the seeds. Some seeds remain dormant after sowing because some enzymes in them remain inactive. GA3 activates these enzymes and causes uniform plant population ultimately.
2. Better Plant Growth: It promotes elongation of internodes, which leads to strong stems and wider leaves. Large leaves result in more photosynthesis and ultimately more food production inside the plant.
3. Enhanced Flowering and Fruiting: It helps in flower initiation in the plants which are slow to flower naturally. It also helps reduce flower drop, which usually happens due to stress, nutrient deficiency, or hormonal imbalance. It also improves hormonal balance in the plants, which leads to better fruit set.
4. Improved Quality of Produce: It increases the market value of the crop. For example, in grapes, it increases berry size; in citrus fruits, it improves size, peel smoothness, and skin colouration, in sugarcane, it increases internode length, leading to higher sucrose accumulation.
5. Higher Yields: Together all the above effects lead to better yields. Overall it makes vegetative and reproductive growth better, leading to an increase in the overall yield per plant and per acre.

What this really means is that GA3 works throughout the plant’s lifecycle, from seed to fruit, to make every stage more efficient and productive.

Application and Precautions

Application of Gibberellic Acid depends on the crop type. For seed treatment, seeds are soaked in a mild solution for a few hours before sowing. For foliar application, it is mixed in the required concentration with water and sprayed on the leaves during morning or evening hours. In fruit crops, it is mostly used at pre-flowering or fruit development stages.

However, it should be used with caution. Its high doses can cause abnormal elongation or poor fruit quality. The dosage needs to be adjusted according to crop type, environmental condition, and growth stage.

Why GA3 Matters in Modern Farming

Here’s the thing. Modern agriculture is not just about protecting crops from pests and diseases but also about guiding their growth in a controlled way. Natural hormones like Gibberellic Acid give that control. It helps manage how fast plants grow, how uniformly they develop, and how well they respond to other nutrients.

For companies in the agri-input business, formulations like Gibberellic Acid 90% Technical or Gibberellic Acid 4% Liquid give flexibility to create customized brands and crop-specific solutions. Many white label partners prefer ready-to-use forms of Gibberellic Acid 20% SL or 10% SL, as they are easy to market and handle in the field.

From cereals and pulses to vegetables and fruits, its use has become part of standard crop management. Even turf managers, floriculturists, and nursery growers use it for controlling height and improving the appearance of plants.

Final Thoughts

Gibberellic Acid is not a miracle chemical, but it is a natural growth regulator that works in harmony with plant physiology. When used correctly, it can transform weak seedlings into strong crops, delay ageing in leaves, and help achieve better harvests in a shorter time.

At the core, its purpose is simple: to help plants perform to their full genetic potential. Whether it comes as a Gibberellic Acid 90% Technical, a 0.186% SP, or a 20% Tablet, the role remains the same: awakening the hidden energy inside every seed and every cell of the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Gibberellic Acid, and where does it come from?

It is a natural plant hormone that regulates growth and development. It was first discovered from a fungus called Gibberella fujikuroi, which caused abnormal elongation in rice plants. Scientists later learnt that this compound promotes stem growth, seed germination, flowering, and fruit development in many crops.

2. How does Gibberellic Acid work inside the plant?

It acts as a growth messenger. When applied to seeds or plants, it triggers enzymes that break down stored food inside the seed, giving energy to the embryo for germination. In growing plants, it promotes cell division and elongation, especially in stems and leaves, which improves overall growth and productivity.

3. Why is Gibberellic Acid important for seed germination?

Many seeds remain dormant even under favourable conditions. Gibberellic Acid helps break this dormancy by activating enzymes that release energy from stored starch. This results in faster and more uniform sprouting, ensuring even crop stands and easier field management.

4. How does Gibberellic Acid improve plant growth?

It promotes elongation of internodes (the part between two nodes on the stem) and encourages better leaf expansion. Larger leaves capture more sunlight, leading to higher photosynthesis and better energy production for the plant. This helps build strong stems and healthy vegetative growth.

5. In what way does Gibberellic Acid enhance flowering and fruiting?

Gibberellic Acid supports flower bud initiation, prevents premature flower drop, and increases the number of flowers that successfully turn into fruits. This is especially beneficial for crops like tomatoes, grapes, chillies, and cucumbers, where fruit setting is often a challenge.

6. How does it improve the quality of the produce?

In crops like grapes and citrus, Gibberellic Acid increases fruit size, improves colour development, and gives a smoother surface. In sugarcane, it lengthens internodes and enhances sucrose accumulation. The result is better-quality produce that looks uniform and has higher market value.

7. Does Gibberellic Acid increase yield?

Yes, indirectly. By improving germination, growth, flowering, fruit set, and fruit quality, Gibberellic Acid ensures that a larger percentage of flowers turn into marketable fruits. The overall yield per plant and per acre increases naturally as a result of these combined effects.