Question
Discuss briefly the practical application of plant hormones in agriculture.
Or,
Discuss the practical application of Auxin hormones in agriculture.
Answer
Auxin hormones have several practical applications in agriculture. Some of the key applications of auxins in agriculture are:
- Rooting of stem cuttings: Auxin-containing rooting hormone powders or solutions are used to promote the formation of adventitious roots in stem cuttings, which can be then used for vegetative propagation of plants.
- Fruit thinning: Auxin sprays are used to reduce the number of fruit on a tree by inducing fruit drop. This helps in increasing the quality and size of the remaining fruit.
- Weed control: Auxin-like herbicides, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), are used to control broadleaf weeds in crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
- Delaying fruit ripening: Synthetic auxins, such as 2,4-D, are used to delay the ripening of fruit such as apples and pears to extend their shelf life and improve their marketability.
- Controlling plant growth: Auxins are used to control the growth and development of ornamental plants, such as bonsai trees and roses, by regulating apical dominance and promoting lateral branching.
