Chapter 22, Problem 39A

Summary Introduction

To write:

Use of plant hormones to increase crop production and its comparison with the use of growth hormones used to increase milk production of cows.

Introduction:

Plants produce chemicals which help in their growth and functioning. They are known as plant hormones.

Explanation of Solution

Plant hormones are chemicals which control major plant processes like germination, growth, phototropism, etc.

Plant hormones are used in horticulture and agriculture for specific beneficial uses.

Auxins, which help the plant grow and elongate, are used as weed killers, rooting powders and for promoting growth in tissue cultures.

Gibberellin, along with auxin, is used for growing seedless or parthenocarpic fruits.

Thus, plant hormones can be used as a safe option for enhancing the production of crops. They are not harmful like other chemicals and artificial pesticides and have fewer side effects.

Bovine somatotropin (bST), also known as the bovine growth hormone, has been developed based on the somatotropin naturally produced in cattle. It helps to increase milk production in dairy cows.

Conclusion

Just like the bST in bovines, plant hormones may be used in case of plants by farmers in order to increase the yield of crops produced.