Zeatin


Zeatin is a cytokinin derived from adenine, which occurs in the form of a cis- and a trans-isomer and conjugates. Zeatin was discovered in immature corn kernels from the genus Zea. It promotes growth of lateral buds and when sprayed on meristems stimulates cell division to produce bushier plants.

Occurrence

Zeatin and its derivatives occur in many plant extracts and are the active ingredient in coconut milk, which causes plant growth.
6-purine is a zeatin precursor.

Toxicology

Zeatin has several anti-aging effects on human skin fibroblasts. Zeatin riboside has an immunomodulatory effect by agonizing the mammalian adenosine A2A receptor.

Application

Zeatin has a variety of effects including:
  1. Promotes callus initiation when combined with auxin, concentration 1 ppm.
  2. Promotes fruit set. Zeatin 100 ppm + GA3 500 ppm + NAA 20 ppm, sprayed at 10th, 25th, 40th day after blossom.
  3. Retards yellowing for vegetables, 20 ppm, sprayed.
  4. Causes auxiliary stems to grow and flower.
Zeatin can also be applied to stimulate seed germination and seedling growth.
Zeatin has also been shown to promote the resistance of tobacco against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, in which trans-zeatin has a more prominent effect than cis-zeatin.