Growers have been facing challenges like poor plant growth and late flowering due to unfavourable weather conditions, nutrient deficiencies and genetic limitations. Not only these but stunted growth, low fertilization rates, and uneven fruit setting has become a cause for low productivity. Here comes the role of Gibberellic Acid (GA), a Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) to improve growth and maximize yield. In this blog we will discuss how Gibberellic Acid (GA) can help overcome the mentioned challenges and help in maximizing yields.
Let’s understand about Gibberellic Acid
It is a naturally occurring plant hormone which regulates growth processes and has various benefits for crops that ultimately leads to more yield. Gibberellic Acid was first discovered by E. Kurosawa in the early 20th century in Japan. He discovered it while studying the rice foolish seedling disease (Bakanae) which is caused by the fungus Gibberella Fujikuroi. After its discovery, researchers identified its role in promoting plant growth, hence its use started in agriculture largely after that. In today’s time, synthetic formulations of GA are extensively used in crop management programs worldwide.
How Gibberellic Acid works
Gibberellic Acid helps plants grow taller by promoting cell elongation and division, leading to higher biomass. It also supports the production of important enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase. Additionally, it improves nutrient flow to the parts of the plant that need it most. It plays a key role in flowering, fruit development, and overall reproductive success.Another important action of GA is its ability to overcome genetic limitations in certain crops. For example dwarf varieties of wheat and rice can achieve better height and biomass accumulation when treated with GA and provide higher yield.
Key benefits of Gibberellic Acid
Improves seed germination
Gibberellic Acid improves seed germination rates and becomes the best solution for the seeds which are difficult to germinate under normal conditions. It overcomes the seed dormancy by stimulating the synthesis of enzymes which mobilizes the starch that is stored in seeds. This starch is needed for the developing embryo and the breakdown of the seed coats. This application is particularly beneficial for seeds with high dormancy levels or those that require specific conditions to germinate.
Promotes stem elongation
There is a well-known effect of Gibberellic Acid, which is its ability to promote stem elongation. It is specifically useful in ornamental horticulture plants to produce desired height and shape.
Induces flowering
Gibberellic Acid can induce flowering in some plants even in unfavorable conditions such as the off season or inadequate sunlight. This feature is especially important in the floral industry and in researches where off season flowering is desirable. It can also be used for uniform flowering in a crop.
Enhance fruit growth
Its application has been shown to increase fruit size and weight in fruits like grapes, oranges and apples. It promotes cell division and expansion in the fruit which leads to larger fruit size. On the other hand Gibberellic Acid can influence the fruit set and reduce fruit drop.
Extend shelf life
In some fruits and vegetables the application of Gibberellic Acid can delay senescence (the process of aging in plants), hence extending the shelf life of the product. This feature of gibberellic is beneficial for the storage and transport of agricultural products.
Enhances stress tolerance
It helps the plants to adapt to adverse conditions such as drought, cold and salinity by regulating hormonal balance.
Target crops
GA is widely used in various crops to improve growth and yield.
Cereals (Wheat, Barley, Rice)
In cereals it promotes uniform germination, increases tillering, and improves grain filling.
Fruits (Grapes, Citrus, Apples, Bananas)
In fruits GA improves fruit size, prevents cracking, enhances color development, stops immature fruit drop and delays senescence.
Vegetables (Tomato, Potato, Carrot, Lettuce)
Gibberellic acid encourages faster growth and better root formation which leads to higher yield with improved quality.
Sugarcane
In sugarcane it improves cane elongation, sucrose accumulation, and biomass production.
Cotton
In cotton GA increases cotton boll formation, fiber length and overall lint yield.
Ornamental plants
In plants GA stimulates flowering, enhances aesthetic value, and promotes uniform plant growth.
Recommended application method
Gibberellic Acid can be applied via following methods:
Seed treatment
Treating the seeds with Gibberellic Acid is an efficient method to improve germination and break dormancy. Its seed treatment also promotes uniform seedling emergence. Crops with slow or irregular germination like wheat, rice, barley, lettuce, tomato, pepper, okra and certain tree species are mostly benefited.
Seed treatment ensures direct hormone uptake by the embryo compared to other methods like foliar application or soil drenching. This method leads to fast and more uniform germination. It is a sustainable and efficient practice. It is mainly helpful where growers get late in sowing seeds and require rapid germination.
Foliar application
Crops at flowering or fruit development stage requires foliar application of Gibberellic Acid. It is applied as a spray with concentration 10-100 ppm depending on crop and its stage. Crops like grapes, citrus, apples, sugarcane, rice, wheat and vegetables require GA foliar application.
Soil drenching
In soil drenching it is applied to the root zone. This method helps in promoting root elongation and nutrient uptake. When compared to seed treatment, soil drenching requires larger quantities. Soil applications also have loss due to leaching and have a risk of uneven distribution. In contrast, seed treatment ensures direct uptake by the embryo, leading to uniform germination, early vigor, and reduced dormancy issues. This is also useful in some ornamental plants to improve early vegetative growth and flowering.
Dosage
The general dose of Gibberellic Acid 0.001% is 2-3 ml per liter of water for foliar application and 2-3 ml per Kg of seed as seed treatment.
Gibberellic Acids role in sustainable agriculture
GA naturally improves plant growth and resilience and plays a crucial role in sustainable farming by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. It allows growers to achieve higher yields with less inputs. With the increasing focus on climate the use of plant hormones like GA can contribute to better crop management. In organic farming it is the best alternative to chemical based growth regulators. It improves root and shoot development, seedling establishment and enhances overall crop growth. Additionally, it does not leave any harmful residues in the soil and water. These qualities make it valuable for organic farming, where farmers avoid synthetic and chemical fertilizers.
GA also supports stress tolerance in plants. Consequently, it helps them adapt to unfavorable conditions. It helps in absorbing more nutrients and water through roots. The application of Gibberellic Acid helps in better utilization of nutrients by the plants, helping in stronger plant resilience. These practices support a sustainable farming approach.
Conclusion
Gibberellic Acid is an effective plant growth regulator and comes out to be an important solution to increase agricultural productivity. It improves seed germination, stem elongation, flowering and fruit development. GA helps farmers in achieving better crop yield and higher quality produce. Adding GA into crop management practices can lead to many benefits which make it an essential tool for modern agriculture.
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