Step 1: Understanding seed germination in cereals.
In cereal grains such as barley and wheat, the stored food material is present in the endosperm mainly in the form of starch. During germination, this starch must be converted into simpler sugars to nourish the growing embryo.
Step 2: Role of phytohormones.
Gibberellins are plant growth hormones that stimulate the aleurone layer of the endosperm to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes, especially amylase. Amylase breaks down starch into maltose and glucose.
Step 3: Elimination of other options.
Abscisic acid inhibits germination and induces dormancy.
Auxin mainly promotes cell elongation.
Cytokinin promotes cell division but does not induce amylase synthesis.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, gibberellin is the phytohormone responsible for promoting seed germination by synthesizing amylase enzyme.