Building on Plant Physiology for Resilient, High-Yield Crops
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As agricultural challenges have evolved, farmers have benefitted from new solutions to common issues. Innovative products to help address weeds, diseases, pests and nutrition have all added to the ability to support more abundant yields. But one area that is increasingly problematic for farmers has been short on answers: Helping plants cope with environmental and weather-related stresses, also known as abiotic stresses.
In response to this farmer need, Corteva expanded its research and development efforts in plant physiology to better understand the role hormones play in abiotic stress response. This work has helped refine approaches to managing plant hormone balance as a key strategy for improving crop resilience and productivity.
The five major plant hormones
There are five key hormones that play important roles in plant health and resilience. They can also be affected by abiotic stress.
- Gibberellic acid: Crucial for uniform germination and early growth.
- Cytokinin: Promotes plant growth and fruit development; produced in root tips and essential for above-ground branching.
- Auxin: Supports root establishment and maintenance.
- Ethylene: Known as “the regulator;” must be carefully balanced — too much causes stress, too little hinders flowering.
- Abscisic acid: Important for seed dormancy, crop maturity and moisture regulation through stomatal control.
Gibberellic acid, cytokinin and auxin are classified as growth hormones, while ethylene and abscisic acid are classified as stress hormones.
A season-long strategy for stress management
Abiotic stress — such as drought, salinity and temperature extremes — can significantly reduce yield potential. Crops begin the season with 100% yield potential, but each stress event chips away at that promise. Drought and heat stress alone can cause anywhere from 50% to 90% loss in yield potential in major row crops.1
A proactive, season-long approach is essential. Managing hormone balance from the earliest stages — germination, transplant establishment or bud break — sets the foundation for strong, uniform growth and higher productivity.
The role of roots in hormone balance
Roots are the command center for water and nutrient uptake and the production of four out of five major hormones. Any disruption in root development can throw off hormone balance and reduce yield. Maintaining active, healthy roots throughout the crop’s life is critical. Continuous root development ensures ongoing hormone optimization.
Just as an architect designs a strong building, growers must shape plant architecture to support optimal yield. The first 24–36 hours after planting are especially critical for unlocking a crop’s genetic potential.
Responding to abiotic stress
As the season progresses, plants inevitably face stress. All types of abiotic stress trigger similar responses, including the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals), which reduce photosynthesis and growth. However, plants can recover. For example, if drought prevents a plant from producing cytokinin, it can be supplemented externally to help restore balance.
Scientific evidence supports this approach: A well-balanced plant maintains consistent photosynthesis, which helps support growth and preserve yield potential. Even minor stress can disrupt this balance, leading to reduced performance.
By supporting hormone and nutrient balance, Corteva Biologicals solutions help plants maintain health during stress. This helps prevent common issues like poor fruit quality, erratic sizing, increased disease susceptibility and reduced yield.
A winning strategy for every season
It’s all about creating a winning season for crops. In favorable conditions, growers can take an offensive approach — managing the plant’s energy to push for even greater yield. In contrast, during stressful weather conditions, a defensive strategy becomes essential. Supporting the plant through these challenges can help it deliver the desired yield and quality.
A healthy, balanced plant has a greater chance of maintaining consistent photosynthesis. This supports continued growth and helps preserve higher yield potential throughout the season.
Curious how biologicals can help with regulating hormones to promote more productive crops? Go to your country page to learn more about the solutions available to you and contact our local team!
Many factors contribute to crop performance and return on investment. Products are intended to complement sound agronomic practices. Results may vary.
Reference
1 Shah Fahad, Ali A Bajwa et al., “Crop Production under Drought and Heat Stress: Plant Responses and Management Options,” Frontiers in Plant Science, no. 8 (2017): 1147, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01147.