What is gibberellic acid?

Gibberellic acid is indeed a plant growth hormone that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in plants. It is a type of gibberellin, which is a group of hormones involved in regulating growth and development. Gibberellic acid promotes stem elongation, seed germination, and the development of fruit. It helps in breaking dormancy in seeds and can trigger flowering processes in certain plants, contributing significantly to agricultural practices.

This role distinguishes gibberellic acid from the other options. Natural preservatives generally inhibit the growth of microbes to extend shelf life, while synthetic pesticides are chemicals used to prevent, control, or eliminate pests. Fermentation enhancers increase the efficiency of the fermentation process in brewing and food production but do not have the growth regulatory functions that gibberellic acid possesses. Thus, the correct identification of gibberellic acid as a plant growth hormone is essential for understanding its applications in agriculture and horticulture.