Indole-3-butyric acid
Indole-3-butyric acid
Indol-3-butyric acid (IBA), whose term in the official IUPAC nomenclature is: 4-(1H-indol-3-yl)butanoic acid, is a carboxylic acid with the brute or molecular formula: C12H13NO2.
Indole-3-butyric acid is a synthetic auxinosimile and is the most used in floriculture and propagation by cuttings.
For this reason, indole-3-butyric acid is a phytohormone belonging to the auxin class, a category of chemical substances involved in the regulation of plant development and growth. IBA is structurally related to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the major auxin in plants, but has some key differences in chemical structure.
Indole-3-butyric acid consists of an indole ring (a six-membered cyclic structure containing one nitrogen atom) with a butyric group (formed by four carbon atoms) bonded to the 3 position of the ring. This structure is responsible for the biological activities of indole-3-butyric acid.
The main functions of IBA in plants include:
– Rooting: IBA is widely used in vegetative propagation processes to promote the formation of roots on cuttings or runners of plants. It is applied to cutting areas to stimulate new root growth and aid in successful propagation.
– Root growth: IBA can promote the growth and development of the root system, increasing root branching and improving the plant’s water and nutrient uptake.
– Bud development: IBA can influence bud formation and development, favoring the growth of new shoots or side branches.
– Fruiting: IBA can be used to promote fruit growth and development, by increasing fruit size or improving fruit quality.
– Stress resistance: IBA can help plants better resist environmental stressful situations, such as drought or extreme temperatures.
Indole-3-butyric acid is commonly used as an active substance in commercial products, such as powders or solutions, used for rooting cuttings or for treating plants. It is a very effective and widely used substance in agriculture, horticulture and gardening to promote the growth and development of plants in a controlled and targeted way.
Warning: The information provided is not medical advice and may not be accurate. The contents are for illustrative purposes only and do not replace medical advice.