Auxins are a group of plant hormones that regulate growth and phototropism – a change in the direction of growth of plant organs depending on the direction of incident light.
Auxins promote elongation of plant cells, thereby forcing the branches to grow vertically and the growth of lateral shoots slows down. Thus, pinching the tips of the branches will reduce the auxin content and will contribute not only to the lush growth of the plant in breadth, but also to the formation of new roots.
Natural and synthetic auxins can be found on sale. Synthetic ones are more stable and last longer than natural ones. They can be used as herbicides against broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, but are most commonly used to stimulate root growth and flowering. Natural auxins are indole derivatives – 3- (3-indolyl) propionic, indolyl-3-butyric, 4-chloroindolyl-3-acetic and 3-indoleacetic acids. The most common auxin widely used in plant growing is heteroauxin – indolyl-3-acetic acid.
Sources of
- Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible
