Overview Of Cytokinins

The cytokinin hormones promote cell division (cytokinesis) and tissue growth (organogenesis or organ development). This depends on the presence of auxins (another plant hormone) to determine the level of their activity. Without auxin cytokinins do not function. When the ratio of cytokinins to auxins is relatively high, stem and leaf growth is stimulated. When, on the other hand, the ratio of cytokinins to auxins is relatively low, root growth is stimulated instead. The balance between these hormones makes sure that the plant invests in both root and shoot growth, so that neither becomes too large or small for the other. Cytokinins are also involved in the development of cholorplats, fruits, and flowers. Also, they have been shown to delay senescence (aging), especially in leaves, which is one reason that florists use cytokinins on freshly cut flowers. Coconut milk has a high level of cytokinin present and a little trick to keep your plant's alive longer is to spray coconut milk on them. This is a way florists use the cytokinins on their plants to delay their aging process. Try it out sometime and see how much longer your flowers stay alive. :-)