Plant hormones, also known as phytohormones, are naturally occurring chemical compounds produced within plants that regulate various aspects of their growth and development. They occur in very low concentrations and influence processes such as cell division, elongation, flowering, seed formation, dormancy, and responses to environmental stimuli

. Unlike animal hormones, plant hormones are produced by almost all plant cells rather than specialized glands, and they often act locally or move passively through plant tissues to exert their effects

. They play roles in embryogenesis, organ size regulation, pathogen defense, stress tolerance, and reproductive development

. The major groups of plant hormones include:

• Auxins (e.g., Indole-3-acetic acid): Promote stem and root elongation, apical dominance, flowering, and fruit development

• Gibberellins : Stimulate stem elongation, seed germination, and flower bud formation

• Cytokinins : Promote cell division, lateral bud growth, and delay aging

• Abscisic acid : Involved in dormancy, germination suppression, and stomatal closure

• Ethylene : Regulates fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and response to stress

• Brassinosteroids and Jasmonates : Influence cell division, elongation, stress responses, and aging

Plant hormones can act synergistically or antagonistically and are essential for coordinating plant growth and adaptation to the environment

. In summary, plant hormones are key chemical messengers that control and coordinate plant growth, development, and responses to environmental factors