Gibberellic Acid (GA) is a naturally occurring plant hormone that functions as a powerful plant growth regulator. GA is part of a large family of molecules known as gibberellins, all of which influence various stages of plant development. Understanding where to source this material and how to apply it correctly is the first step for both hobbyists and large-scale agricultural operations.
Understanding Gibberellic Acid as a Plant Regulator
Gibberellic acid acts within the plant by influencing the primary processes of growth: cell division and cell elongation. It functions as a chemical messenger, signaling to the plant’s cells that conditions are favorable for rapid growth and expansion. This mechanism contrasts sharply with fertilizer, which simply supplies raw nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
GA promotes the rapid elongation of internodes, which are the sections of the stem between leaf nodes. It also plays a role in germination by breaking seed dormancy. GA triggers the production of enzymes, such as alpha-amylase, which break down stored starch reserves into usable energy for the embryo. Unlike a nutrient supplement, GA is a biological tool used in extremely small, measured concentrations to direct the plant’s physiological processes.
Specific Uses for Home Gardeners and Commercial Growers
A common application of gibberellic acid is overcoming the natural dormancy of seeds that require cold stratification. Treating these seeds with a dilute GA solution can bypass the need for prolonged chilling, resulting in faster and more uniform germination. This capability is useful for home gardeners experimenting with exotic varieties and commercial growers aiming for synchronized crop establishment.
In commercial horticulture, GA is used to manipulate the size and shape of certain fruits. For instance, it is applied to Thompson seedless grapes to elongate the clusters and increase the size of the individual berries, improving marketability. For cut flower production, GA can be sprayed to increase stem length, a desirable trait for bouquets and arrangements. GA can also be employed to induce flowering in some species that normally require specific day lengths or temperatures, providing growers with greater control over production schedules.
Navigating Retailers and Online Sources for Purchase
The source for purchasing gibberellic acid depends on the intended use and the required concentration. General garden centers and large online marketplaces typically sell consumer-grade products, which are often highly diluted liquid concentrates, such as a 0.001% solution. These lower concentrations are safer for the average home gardener to handle and mix without specialized equipment.
Specialty suppliers, such as chemical distributors, hydroponics stores, and agricultural supply houses, offer GA in much higher purity, often as a 90% crystalline powder. These sources cater to commercial growers, researchers, and serious hobbyists who require bulk quantities or precise control over application rates. When buying online, it is advisable to check the supplier’s reputation and look for a Certificate of Analysis if a high-purity product is needed. The price of GA correlates with the concentration and volume, with the high-purity powder being more cost-effective for large-scale use.
Product Forms, Concentration, and Safe Application
Gibberellic acid is available in several product forms, including soluble powders, effervescent tablets, and liquid concentrates. High-purity powder, such as the 90% concentration, is not readily soluble in water. It must first be dissolved in a small amount of an organic solvent, like rubbing alcohol, before being diluted with water to the final working strength. Liquid concentrates and tablets are typically formulated to dissolve directly into water for ease of use.
The application concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm) and is important, with typical ranges between 10 and 100 ppm for most horticultural tasks. Solutions should be prepared fresh before application, as GA degrades rapidly once mixed, losing efficacy within a few days. Over-application can cause severe issues, such as excessive stem elongation leading to weak, spindly growth. Therefore, strictly following the manufacturer’s dilution instructions and using appropriate protective equipment, like gloves and eye protection, is necessary.