Concept:
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemicals that influence plant growth and development. Different PGRs have specific functions.
Step 1: Understanding rooting in cuttings.
Rooting in cuttings refers to the formation of roots from plant parts like stems or leaves.
Step 2: Role of plant growth regulators.
Auxins promote cell elongation and are especially effective in stimulating root initiation.
Step 3: Evaluating the options.
- Gibberellin $\rightarrow$ Promotes stem elongation (incorrect)
- Cytokinin $\rightarrow$ Promotes cell division and shoot formation (incorrect)
- Auxin $\rightarrow$ Stimulates root formation in cuttings (correct)
- Ethylene $\rightarrow$ Involved in fruit ripening (incorrect)
Step 4: Additional insight.
Common synthetic auxins used for rooting include IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid), IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid), and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid).
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, auxin is the plant growth regulator commonly used for rooting in cuttings.