How do cytokinins benefit your plant?
Cell Division Stimulation:
Cytokinins promote cell division (cytokinesis). They help plants produce new cells, supporting growth in shoots, leaves, and buds.
Shoot Growth Promotion:
Cytokinins encourage the development of lateral buds, making plants bushier and reducing apical dominance (the “single main stem” effect).
Delay of Leaf Aging (Anti-Senescence):
They slow down leaf aging by maintaining chlorophyll and protein levels. This keeps leaves greener for longer.
Nutrient Mobilization:
Cytokinins help direct nutrients toward actively growing tissues like new shoots and developing leaves.
Balance with Auxins:
Plant growth depends on the ratio of cytokinins to auxins. Higher cytokinins favor shoot development; lower levels relative to auxins favor root growth.
Stress Response Support:
They help plants better tolerate stress by maintaining metabolic activity during adverse conditions.