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Gibberellic Acid (GA₃) is a naturally occurring plant growth hormone belonging to the gibberellin family.
It plays a critical role in the regulation of various physiological processes in plants, including seed germination, stem elongation, flowering, and fruit development.
Gibberellic Acid has gained significant attention in modern agriculture for its potent growth-stimulating properties and wide applicability across crops.
Synonyms: GA₃, Gibberellin A3, Gibberellic Acid A3, Gibberellin GA3
CAS Number: 77-06-5
The discovery of gibberellins dates back to the 1930s in Japan, when researchers observed a "foolish seedling disease" in rice caused by Gibberella fujikuroi, a fungus that secretes gibberellins. GA₃ was one of the first gibberellins to be isolated and characterized.
The first commercial synthesis was achieved in the 1950s, revolutionizing plant physiology and agricultural practices.
Chemical Structure and Physical Properties
IUPAC Name: (3S,3aS,4S,4aS,7S,9aS,9bS,12S)-7,12-Dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methylene-2-oxo-3,3a,4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,9a,9b,10,11,12-tetradecahydro-1H-indeno[5,4-e]oxepin-4-carboxylic acid
Structure: Tricyclic diterpenoid acid
Melting Point: 233–235 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, acetone, methanol; slightly soluble in water
Stability: Light-sensitive; stable in dry form; aqueous solutions degrade over time.
Biosynthesis and Natural Occurrence
GA₃ is synthesized in young plant tissues such as shoots, leaves, and seeds.
Biosynthesis involves the terpenoid pathway from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) through complex enzymatic steps catalyzed by ent-kaurene synthase, oxidases, and hydroxylases.
Synthetic Production
Industrial production of GA₃ is carried out by fermentation of Fusarium fujikuroi strains in large-scale bioreactors.
The fermentation is followed by extraction, purification, and crystallization to obtain high-purity Gibberellic Acid.
Yields depend on pH, temperature, carbon source, and nutrient composition.
Mechanism of Action in Plants
GA₃ binds to GID1 receptors, leading to the degradation of DELLA proteins, which are repressors of growth.
This triggers gene expression changes that result in cell elongation, division, and mobilization of nutrients, especially during germination and elongation phases.
Molecular and Genetic Regulation
GA signaling is tightly regulated by the GA–GID1–DELLA complex.
Key genes involved in GA biosynthesis include GA20ox, GA3ox, and GA2ox.
Mutations in these pathways can lead to dwarfism or abnormal growth patterns.
Signal Transduction Pathways
Upon GA₃ perception, the GA-GID1-DELLA complex forms, marking DELLA for degradation via the 26S proteasome pathway.
This allows transcription factors such as PIFs and BZR1 to activate GA-responsive genes.
Effects on Plant Growth and Development
Seed Germination: Promotes endosperm breakdown and embryo growth.
Stem Elongation: Enhances internodal cell expansion.
Leaf Expansion: Increases cell size and vascular differentiation.
Flowering: Influences floral induction in some long-day plants.
Fruit Set and Growth: Enhances size and quality in crops like grapes.
Applications in Agriculture
Breaks dormancy in seeds and tubers
Enhances fruit size and yield
Synchronizes flowering in certain crops
Used in malting of barley for brewing
Applied to cotton to promote elongation and boll development
Role in Horticulture
GA₃ is widely used in floriculture to increase plant height, induce early flowering, and improve ornamental plant symmetry.
It is critical in regulating bonsai growth and greenhouse-grown ornamental plants.
Industrial Formulations
GA₃ is commercially available in various formulations:
Wettable powders (e.g., 10% GA₃ WP)
Liquid concentrates
Tablets
Microencapsulated granules
Use in Plant Tissue Culture
GA₃ promotes callus differentiation, shoot elongation, and regeneration in in vitro plant cultures.
It is often used with cytokinins or auxins for optimal morphogenesis.
Synergistic Use with Other Phytohormones
With Auxins: Enhanced root elongation and stem growth.
With Cytokinins: Stimulated cell division and shoot initiation.
With Ethylene: Delayed senescence and synchronized fruit ripening.
Environmental Fate and Degradation
GA₃ degrades relatively quickly in the environment through microbial activity and photodegradation. Soil half-life is generally short (hours to a few days), and it poses minimal bioaccumulation ris
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT GIBBERELLIC ACID
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
