What is Abscisic acid (ABA)?

Abscisic acid is like a plant’s secret message that helps it know when to sleep and wake up.

Imagine you have a favorite blanket that keeps you warm at night. When it gets cold, you pull the blanket over you and go to sleep. A plant uses abscisic acid (ABA) in a similar way, it sends out signals telling the plant to slow down its growth and prepare for rest, like going to bed.

When the weather changes, like when it gets colder or drier, ABA starts working. It tells the leaves of the plant to stop growing and even fall off if needed. This is kind of like putting on a jacket when you feel cold, the plant is protecting itself from the harsh conditions.

When the sun comes out again, ABA stops sending its "go to sleep" message, and the plant starts growing all over again, just like how you wake up in the morning and get ready for the day!