What practical applications are derived from the principal
functions of plant hormones? Discuss any one such
application.
One practical application derived from the principal functions of plant hormones is the use of ethylene as a ripening agent for fruits. Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in the ripening process of fruits.
When fruits reach their optimal maturity, they naturally start producing ethylene, which triggers a series of physiological changes that lead to ripening. These changes include softening of the fruit, conversion of starches into sugars, color changes, and aroma production. Ethylene also accelerates the process of fruit senescence and decay.
Based on this understanding, the agricultural industry has harnessed the power of ethylene to control and enhance the ripening process for commercial purposes. One common application is the controlled ripening of fruits during transportation and storage. By exposing unripe fruits to ethylene gas, they can be induced to ripen uniformly and at a desired pace. This is particularly useful for fruits that are harvested before reaching full ripeness, allowing producers to prolong the shelf life of the produce and still provide consumers with ripe fruits.
Another relevant application is the use of ethylene in the post-harvest industry. Fruits that are harvested premature for long-distance transportation can be ripened upon arrival at their destination by exposing them to ethylene. This reduces the risk of spoilage during transportation and ensures that the fruits are in an optimal state for sale when they reach the market.
Additionally, ethylene can be used to synchronize the ripening of large quantities of fruits for production purposes. For example, in the production of canned fruits or fruit-based products, it is important to have a consistent supply of uniformly ripened fruits. By treating a batch of unripe fruits with ethylene, they can be quickly and efficiently ripened simultaneously, allowing for seamless processing and production.
Overall, the practical application of ethylene as a ripening agent for fruits allows for better control over the ripening process, extending the shelf life of produce, and ensuring consistency in quality and timing for the agricultural and post-harvest industries.
One practical application derived from the principal functions of plant hormones is the use of auxins in plant propagation. Auxins are a type of plant hormone that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. They are responsible for promoting cell elongation, root development, and the formation of adventitious roots.
In plant propagation, auxins are utilized to stimulate the growth of roots on stem cuttings. This is particularly useful for propagating plants that do not root easily or have limited ability to produce new roots. By applying auxins on the stem cuttings, it helps to initiate root formation and encourages the development of a healthy root system.
The process of using auxins to propagate plants begins with taking stem cuttings from the parent plant. The stem cutting is then dipped into a solution containing auxins, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), or a commercially available rooting hormone powder or gel. This ensures that the desired concentration of auxins is applied to the cut end of the stem.
The auxins stimulate the cells in the stem cutting to produce new roots. They encourage the cells to elongate and differentiate into root cells, which eventually develop into a root system. The presence of auxins helps overcome the plant's natural response to heal the wound by forming a protective layer, instead redirecting the plant's energy towards root development.
By using auxins in plant propagation, growers can easily propagate a large number of plants from a single parent plant. This is particularly beneficial for commercial nurseries, horticulturists, and hobbyist gardeners who want to multiply their desirable plants. It allows them to produce multiple plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, preserving desirable traits.
Overall, the use of auxins in plant propagation is a practical application of plant hormones that enables efficient and successful reproduction of plants. It facilitates the establishment of new plants with a reliable and well-developed root system, promoting their growth and survival.