Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
The grass Setaria viridis has frequently been employed in research due to its short life cycle, small genome, and close relationship to food crops like maize (corn). Setaria is utilized to study the genetic processes governing reproductive development. In this experiment, the effects of gibberellic acid (GA) therapy on several Setaria viridis mutant families have been investigated. This experiment also aims to detect variations in plant height phenotype by comparing GA-treated plants with untreated control plants. The researchers collected and planted eight dwarf millet seeds and one wild type mutant seed and planted in a ‘control’ tray and a ‘treatment’ tray. Gibberellic acid was administered to each plant in the treatment tray on days 14, 16, and 18 while the control tray was given just water. Height of each plant was recorded to assess the effect of gibberellic acid on mutant type plant growth. Results showed that there was a significant effect on the mutant type plants while there was very little to no effect on the wild type plants.
Research Highlights
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The Problem: Researchers aimed to evaluate if Gibberellic Acid (GA3) significantly promotes stem elongation and reproductive development across eight genetically distinct mutant families of Setaria viridis.
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The Method: Two parallel trays containing eight mutant families and a wild-type (WT A10.1) were utilized; the treatment group received GA3 solution on days 14, 16, and 18 after planting, while the control group received water.
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Quantitative Finding: NMU.11732 exhibited the largest growth response with a final height of ~68 cm for GA3-treated plants versus ~30 cm for the control; GA3-treated plants maintained greater height across all nine families through day 50; panicle lengths reached up to 4 cm in treated individuals but were largely absent in controls.
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Qualitative Finding: Genetic background modulates hormone sensitivity as evidenced by varying magnitudes of response across families; GA3 accelerates the growth rate rather than simply shifting final height; the hormone is positively related to the initiation and development of panicles.
Recommended Citation
Laird, Rebecca; Dao, Charmaine; Hepburn, Kayneisha; Brown, Madison; and Veninga, Hailey, "Effects of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on Growth in Setaria viridis Mutant Families" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 22.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/Posters/1/22
Included in
Effects of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on Growth in Setaria viridis Mutant Families
The grass Setaria viridis has frequently been employed in research due to its short life cycle, small genome, and close relationship to food crops like maize (corn). Setaria is utilized to study the genetic processes governing reproductive development. In this experiment, the effects of gibberellic acid (GA) therapy on several Setaria viridis mutant families have been investigated. This experiment also aims to detect variations in plant height phenotype by comparing GA-treated plants with untreated control plants. The researchers collected and planted eight dwarf millet seeds and one wild type mutant seed and planted in a ‘control’ tray and a ‘treatment’ tray. Gibberellic acid was administered to each plant in the treatment tray on days 14, 16, and 18 while the control tray was given just water. Height of each plant was recorded to assess the effect of gibberellic acid on mutant type plant growth. Results showed that there was a significant effect on the mutant type plants while there was very little to no effect on the wild type plants.