Vol. 8, Issue 7, Part D (2024)

Abstract: The expanding global need for sustainable farming methods has fuelled research on plant-based alternatives to traditional plant growth regulators. Traditional PGRs, while effective, can offer environmental and health hazards due to their synthetic composition and the possibility of residual contamination. Therefore, there’s an increase in curiosity in employing natural plant extracts as an environmentally beneficial and eco-friendly alternative. Plant extracts generated from various botanical sources contain a diverse array of bioactive chemicals such as phytohormones, phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which can influence plant growth and development. Extracts from plants such as seaweed, moringa, and neem, for example, have shown promise in terms of raising germination rates, improving root architecture, and increasing stress resistance. These extracts work by mimicking or altering the action of natural hormones like auxins, gibberellins, cytokinin, and abscisic acid. Furthermore, they provide additional benefits such as antibacterial capabilities, which can lower the occurrence of plant diseases, and antioxidant activities, which improve plant tolerance to environmental stressors. Plant extracts hold significant promise as natural alternatives to synthetic PGRs, offering a sustainable solution to enhance plant growth and productivity. While challenges remain in terms of standardization and large-scale application, continued research and innovation could unlock their full potential, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices and improved environmental health.