Summary

This fact sheet has been produced as part of the SAGIT project SAR2223 – Profitable vetch – agronomy, breeding and market development.

Gibberellic acids (GA) are natural plant hormones that promote growth by stimulating shoot and cell elongation through increased water accumulation. This leads to larger leaves and a more upright plant structure, primarily enhancing plant growth without increasing leaf numbers. GA can be used as a hormone spray to boost winter growth in grass-based pastures and is known to increase biomass and crop height shortly after application, with effects lasting up to 3-4 weeks. In tree crops and vines, GA influences flowering time and reproductive growth. There is anecdotal evidence that GA may similarly enhance height, biomass, and reproductive growth in vetch.