Examples of synthetic plant hormones and uses

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Humans have created synthetic chemicals that mimic natural hormones for agricultural and horticultural use.

Compound Name	Hormone Class	Common Uses
Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)	Auxin	The main ingredient in rooting hormone powder to help plant cuttings grow roots.
Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)	Auxin	Used to thin fruit on trees (makes remaining fruit larger) and prevent fruit from dropping too early.
2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid)	Auxin	Used at high concentrations as a common broadleaf weed killer (herbicide). It causes the weeds to grow uncontrollably and die.
Ethephon (trade name: Ethrel)	Ethylene (releaser)	Sprayed on crops (like tomatoes, pineapples, bananas) as a liquid. It breaks down in the plant to release ethylene gas, causing uniform fruit ripening or flowering.
Paclobutrazol	Anti-Gibberellin	A growth inhibitor. It blocks gibberellin synthesis. Used on ornamental flowers (like poinsettias) to keep stems short, compact, and "bushy."