The Commercial Use Of Plant Hormones

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The Commercial Use Of Plant Hormones

A phytohormone is a natural plant substance, which controls plant activities. They are synthesised in one place and translocated. They trigger major plant responses; the main five are auxin, ethene, cytokinin, gibberellic acid and abscissic acid. Plant growth regulators, include plant hormones, both natural and synthetic and have many uses in greenhouse production.

Auxins were the first plant hormones to be discovered, they stimulate the elongation and growth of cells. They also influence the development of vascular tissue and fruits. Synthetic auxins are used to stimulate root development on stem cuttings for asexual propagation of woody plant species; this means that horticulturists can produce woody plant species quicker for sale. The overall plant growth increases in the presence of auxin, as the auxin promotes stem growth in the region behind the apex. Apical dominance can be achieved as well, this means the plant can be shaped, and the auxin inhibits lateral bud growth. The apical dominance will lead to plants with a conical shape. Fruit set and growth can be improved; tuber and bulb germination can be quickened. Commercial weed control can also be achieved with excess auxin being added, it leads to intensified growth, the plant in question literally "grows to death." Auxins are also used to prevent pre harvest fruit drop.
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Ethene is used to quicken the ripening of fruit. This ensures a longer shelf life for the fruit so more profit can be made from them. It is used commercially to ripen bananas on their journey to England from the Bahamas. The ethene is also used to evoke flower initiation. "Degreening" oranges, lemons and grapefruits also require ethylene.

Cytokinins cause cell division, not growth. The cytokinin causes resting cells to become mitotic this is seen in coconuts. Cytokinin is usually used in conjunction with auxin, it is commercially used to delay senescence in plants therefore allowing them ...

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