44. The phytohormone responsible for deposition of storage reserves, prevention of precocious germination, acquisition of desiccation tolerance, and induction of primary dormancy in seeds is
(1) Gibberlic Acid               (2) Ethylene
(3) Abssicic acid                 (4) Cytokinin

Correct answer: (3) Abscisic acid

Explanation:

• Abscisic acid (ABA) is the key phytohormone responsible for deposition of storage reserves, prevention of precocious germination, acquisition of desiccation tolerance, and induction of primary dormancy in seeds.

• ABA enables seeds to accumulate storage proteins and oils and maintain dormancy until environmental conditions become favorable for germination.

• Gibberellic acid promotes seed germination and growth rather than dormancy.

• Ethylene primarily influences fruit ripening and senescence processes.

• Cytokinins promote cell division and delay senescence but do not induce seed dormancy.

Option-wise:

• (1) Gibberellic acid — growth promoter, breaks dormancy.

• (2) Ethylene — ripening hormone, not seed dormancy.

• (3) Abscisic acid — correct; induces dormancy and storage accumulation.

• (4) Cytokinin — growth hormone, delays senescence.

  Abscisic acid acts as the central hormone orchestrating seed developmental transitions for survival under adverse conditions by regulating reserve accumulation and dormancy maintenance until optimal germination conditions arise.