Which statement about indolebutyric acid is true in propagation?

Which statement about indolebutyric acid is true in propagation?

• A. It is primarily used to stunt growth
• B. It is a fungicide
• C. It is the chemical most often used for rooting cuttings
• D. It is a natural stimulant found in alfalfa

Answer: (C)

Rooting hormones such as indolebutyric acid (IBA) are used to stimulate root formation on cuttings. In propagation, IBA is a synthetic auxin that enhances adventitious root initiation and is the chemical most commonly used to promote rooting across many species because it provides reliable, quicker rooting. It is not a fungicide, and it does not stunt growth when used properly; its purpose is to encourage root development, not suppress growth. It is also not a natural stimulant found in alfalfa—the natural auxin is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)—while IBA is produced synthetically for consistent use in rooting.

Rooting hormones such as indolebutyric acid (IBA) are used to stimulate root formation on cuttings. In propagation, IBA is a synthetic auxin that enhances adventitious root initiation and is the chemical most commonly used to promote rooting across many species because it provides reliable, quicker rooting. It is not a fungicide, and it does not stunt growth when used properly; its purpose is to encourage root development, not suppress growth. It is also not a natural stimulant found in alfalfa—the natural auxin is indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)—while IBA is produced synthetically for consistent use in rooting.