How Does 6-Benzylaminopurine Boost Plant Growth and Delay Aging?

Technical Introduction

6-Benzylaminopurine (C₁₂H₁₁N₅, CAS No. 1214-39-7), also known as 6-BA or BAP, is a synthetic cytokinin widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and plant tissue culture.
It promotes cell division (cytokinesis), stimulates bud initiation, and delays plant senescence by maintaining chlorophyll and protein content.
Compared to natural cytokinins, 6-BA is more chemically stable, cost-effective, and has a strong effect on shoot proliferation.

Applications

1. Plant Tissue Culture

• Shoot Induction: Encourages formation of multiple shoots from explants.

• Propagation Efficiency: Shortens culture cycles in commercial micropropagation.

2. Agriculture & Horticulture

• Flower Induction: Promotes bud differentiation in fruit trees.

• Yield Enhancement: Improves fruit size and uniformity in crops like grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

• Shelf Life Extension: Reduces post-harvest yellowing in leafy vegetables.

3. Post-Harvest Treatments

• Maintains green color and delays aging of stored produce.

Advantages

• High Potency: Effective at low concentrations.

• Stability: Long shelf life compared to natural cytokinins.

• Wide Crop Compatibility: Works on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Typical Parameters

FAQs

Q1: How does 6-BA differ from kinetin?
A1: 6-BA is generally more effective at inducing shoots and is less expensive, while kinetin is milder and sometimes preferred for delicate tissues.

Q2: Can 6-BA be used with auxins?
A2: Yes—combining with auxins like NAA or IBA helps balance shoot and root formation in tissue culture.

Q3: Is 6-BA safe for human consumption?
A3: It is applied at very low doses and degrades naturally; follow residue regulations for food crops.

Q4: Does it replace fertilizers?
A4: No—it regulates growth but does not supply nutrients.

Q5: How is it usually applied?
A5: As a foliar spray, seed soak, or media additive in in vitro prop

agation.