Which plant hormone is commonly known as the 'stress hormone' because it promotes seed dormancy and stomatal closure during drought?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Abscisic acid functions as the primary plant stress hormone, signaling stomatal closure under drought conditions to minimize water loss through transpiration while also inducing seed dormancy. Unlike auxins or gibberellins that promote growth and cell elongation, abscisic acid generally inhibits growth to help plants survive adverse environmental pressures. It plays a critical regulatory role in triggering abscission and helping vegetation withstand severe abiotic stress.