Cytokinins

Key Characteristics & Agricultural Benefits

• Cytokinins are hormones that stimulate cell division and are derived from the term "cytokinases." Therefore, they are considered the "youth hormone" in plants as they delay aging and prevent the shedding of both leaves and fruits. They also promote the synthesis of proteins and chlorophyll, and are used to prevent chlorosis as one of the vital tests indicating its presence. Its uses The treatment with cytokinin helps retain chlorophyll in the treated leaf area, and when storing some leafy crops like lettuce and parsley, they can be treated with cytokinin at concentrations of 1-10 parts per million to maintain their greenness. Callus tissue forms on the cuttings of some species. Rooting of cuttings in some species. Limiting the effect of the apical dominance phenomenon in most plants, and it is applied to encourage lateral buds in roses, increasing the number of flowers. Ending the dormancy phase in deciduous fruit trees in case of insufficient winter chill to break bud dormancy, and peaches are treated with a concentration of 100-200 parts per million of cytokinin in winter to break bud dormancy. Increasing fruit set in apples and figs. Production of parthenocarpic fruits without seeds in some types of fruit, such as mangoes, especially after mixing the treatment with both gibberellin and auxin. However, the endocarp, which is the woody seed coat, remains, but the embryo inside the seed is reduced.