The question asks which hormone can be used to induce early flowering in mango. Let's break down the options:
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Ethephon: Ethephon is a plant growth regulator that is commonly used to promote flowering in various plants, including mangoes. It works by releasing ethylene, which is a natural plant hormone involved in various growth and development processes, including flowering. This makes Ethephon suitable for inducing early flowering in mangoes.
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Gibberellic acid: Gibberellic acid is another plant hormone, primarily used to promote stem elongation, germination, and other growth processes. It is not typically used for inducing flowering, especially not in mangoes.
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IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid): IAA is a form of auxin, primarily involved in cell elongation and various growth-related processes. It doesn't specifically target or induce flowering.
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IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid): Like IAA, IBA is also an auxin used mainly to stimulate root development and growth rather than flowering.
Since Ethephon is the hormone that specifically induces early flowering in mangoes, it is the correct answer.
Conclusion: The correct answer is Ethephon, as it is effective in inducing early flowering in mango by releasing ethylene, a critical hormone involved in the flowering process.