What practical applications are derived from the principal
functions of hormones? Discuss any one such
application IN PLANTS
One practical application derived from the principal functions of hormones in plants is the regulation of plant growth and development. Plant hormones, also known as phytohormones, play a crucial role in controlling various aspects of plant growth, such as cell division, elongation, differentiation, and responses to environmental cues. Manipulating plant hormones can have significant practical implications in agriculture and horticulture.
One specific application is the use of plant hormones to promote root growth and development in cuttings during propagation. In horticulture, cuttings from desirable plants are often taken and rooted to produce new plants with identical traits. However, cuttings usually lack an established root system and require hormone treatments to facilitate root induction and development.
Auxins, a type of plant hormone, are commonly used in this process. Exogenous application of auxins, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), can stimulate root initiation and enhance root elongation in cuttings. These hormones promote cell division and elongation in the cambium and promote the formation of adventitious roots, which are roots that develop from non-root tissues.
By carefully controlling the application and concentration of auxins, horticulturists can significantly improve the success rate and efficiency of rooting cuttings. This allows for mass production of plants with desired traits, whether it be for ornamental purposes, crop production, or reforestation efforts. Ultimately, the ability to manipulate hormone levels and facilitate root growth in cuttings contributes to the sustainable production of plants and helps meet the increasing demand for plant-based products.
In conclusion, the practical application of plant hormones in promoting root growth in cuttings during propagation is a testament to the importance of understanding the principal functions of hormones. This application provides a valuable tool for horticulturists and plays a significant role in the sustainable production of plants in various sectors.
One practical application derived from the principal functions of hormones in plants is the promotion of fruit ripening.
Plants produce a hormone called ethylene, which is responsible for various physiological processes, including fruit ripening. Ethylene acts as a signaling molecule that triggers the ripening process in fruits.
By understanding the role of ethylene, scientists and farmers can manipulate the ripening process of fruits for various practical applications. One such application is the regulation of fruit ripening during storage and transportation.
For example, when fruits are picked unripe, they can be treated with ethylene to stimulate ripening before reaching the market. This allows producers to harvest fruits at the optimal time for transportation and extend their shelf life. Ethylene treatment can help synchronize and accelerate the ripening process, ensuring that fruits are ripe and ready for consumption when reaching the consumers.
Furthermore, understanding the hormonal regulation of fruit ripening enables the development of techniques to control and manipulate the ripening process. This can be beneficial in regulating the ripening of fruits in large-scale production, ensuring a steady supply of ripe fruits throughout the year.
Overall, the understanding of plant hormones, particularly ethylene, and its role in fruit ripening has significant practical applications in agriculture, allowing for the optimization of fruit quality, storage, and transportation, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers.