Gibberellins are a group of plant hormones that play a crucial role in regulating growth and development. They help seeds germinate, promote stem elongation, and influence flowering. By breaking dormancy in seeds, gibberellins ensure that plants can grow when conditions are favorable, making them essential for agricultural practices. These hormones were first discovered in the 1930s when scientists studied a fungus called Gibberella fujikuroi, which caused rice plants to grow excessively tall. Since then, gibberellins have been used in various horticultural applications, such as increasing fruit size and improving crop yields, benefiting farmers and gardeners alike.