Regulatory functions of plant hormones in crop growth and stress adaptation: A biochemical perspective

Abstract

Plant hormones, or phytohormones, function as pivotal regulators of physiological processes underpinning plant development and adaptive responses. This paper presents a biochemical examination of key phytohormones—auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid—highlighting their molecular interactions, enzymatic modulations, and systemic roles during abiotic and biotic stress. Special emphasis is given to metabolite dynamics, feedback control, and hormonal crosstalk, integrating current data, reaction pathways, and graphical illustrations. The aim is to elucidate hormone-mediated regulatory frameworks that govern growth and enhance resilience in staple crops such as rice, maize, and wheat.