What hormone controls dormancy and inhibits other hormones?

Abscisic acid is the hormone that controls dormancy and has a significant role in inhibiting the effects of other hormones, particularly during periods of environmental stress. It is often referred to as the "stress hormone" in plants, as it promotes the closing of stomata to reduce water loss and helps maintain seed dormancy, preventing germination under unfavorable conditions. This hormone effectively regulates growth processes, ensuring that plants conserve resources until conditions are suitable for growth and development.

In contrast, gibberellins are known for promoting growth and development, including seed germination and stem elongation, which is opposite to the role of abscisic acid. Auxins are involved in various growth processes, such as cell elongation and the regulation of tropisms, but do not primarily control dormancy. Ethylene is a hormone associated with fruit ripening and responses to environmental signals but does not play a direct role in the dormancy process.