A phytohormone is a naturally occurring plant hormone that regulates growth, development, metabolism, and responses to environmental conditions. Phytohormones are active in very small amounts and act as chemical signals that coordinate processes throughout the plant.
Major classes of phytohormones include auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, ethylene, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, and salicylic acid. These compounds influence processes such as root formation, stem elongation, flowering, fruit ripening, dormancy, stomatal control, and stress responses. Different phytohormones often interact, with one hormone enhancing or suppressing the effects of another.
In horticulture, phytohormones are important in propagation, pruning response, fruit production, and environmental stress management. Synthetic compounds that mimic natural phytohormones are commonly used in rooting powders, growth regulators, and some herbicides.
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