Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is a plant hormone that plays an important role in plant growth and development. It is a synthetic auxin that is similar in structure to the natural plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).
IBA is commonly used in plant propagation, where it is applied to cuttings to stimulate root growth. It can also be used to promote lateral root development, increase fruit set, and improve overall plant growth and health.
When applied to cuttings, IBA can help to stimulate the formation of adventitious roots, which are roots that form from non-root tissue. This can help to improve the success rate of plant propagation and increase the number of viable plants.
IBA is available in both powder and liquid forms, and can be applied as a rooting hormone to the base of cuttings or as a foliar spray. It is important to use IBA according to recommended rates and guidelines, as excessive use can lead to toxicity in plants and reduced growth.
Overall, IBA is a useful tool for promoting plant growth and development, particularly in the context of plant propagation and root development.