6-Benzylaminopurine NEW

6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BA) is a synthetic plant growth regulator belonging to the cytokinin family. Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that promote cell division (cytokinesis) and influence various growth and developmental processes.

It is not found naturally in plants but is a man-made analog of naturally occurring cytokinins like zeatin. Its chemical structure consists of a purine ring (like adenine) attached to a benzyl group, which makes it stable and effective.

Primary Uses and Applications

Due to its cytokinin activity, 6-BA is used extensively in agriculture, horticulture, and plant biotechnology. Here are its major uses:

1. Agriculture and Horticulture

• Fruit Thinning and Improvement: Especially in apples and pears, 6-BA is applied shortly after bloom to:

• Enhance fruit set and reduce natural fruit drop.

  Promote the growth of larger, better-shaped fruits by stimulating cell division.

  Act as a mild thinner, removing weaker fruits and improving the size of the remaining ones.

• Delaying Senescence (Anti-aging): It slows down the aging (yellowing) of leafy vegetables (like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce) and greens after harvest, extending their shelf life and marketability.

  Breaking Bud Dormancy: It can be used to stimulate bud break in some woody plants and vines, promoting more uniform flowering or branching.

  Increasing Yield: In some crops like wheat and soybeans, foliar application can increase grain yield by promoting tillering or pod retention.

2. Plant Tissue Culture and Micropropagation

This is one of its most critical and widespread uses. In sterile lab conditions, 6-BA is added to growth media to:

• Induce shoot proliferation: It strongly promotes the formation of multiple shoots from a small piece of plant tissue (explant).

  Overcome apical dominance: It encourages the growth of lateral buds.

  Regulate morphogenesis: It helps control whether undifferentiated cells develop into shoots or roots (often in combination with auxins like NAA or IBA).

3. Preservation of Cut Flowers and Ornamentals

Similar to its effect on vegetables, 6-BA solutions can be used to delay the yellowing and senescence of leaves on cut flowers (e.g., orchids, lilies) and potted plants, keeping them fresh longer.

4. Research Tool

Scientists use 6-BA as a standard cytokinin in experiments to study plant physiology, senescence, nutrient mobilization, and hormone interactions.

Mechanism of Action

6-BA mimics natural cytokinins by:

1. Binding to specific receptor proteins in plant cells.

2. Triggering a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of genes involved in cell cycle progression and cell division.

3. It also influences the flow of nutrients, creating "sinks" that attract sugars and amino acids to the sites where it is applied.

Safety and Regulation

• 6-BA is generally considered low in toxicity to mammals, birds, and bees when used as directed.

  It is readily biodegradable in the environment.

  Like all plant growth regulators, it is strictly regulated by agricultural authorities (e.g., EPA in the US, EFSA in the EU). There are established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for food crops to ensure consumer safety.

  It must be used according to label instructions on approved crops.

Summary

In essence, 6-Benzylaminopurine is a powerful synthetic cytokinin used to manipulate plant growth. Its main commercial value lies in:

• Producing higher-quality, larger fruits (especially apples).

  Mass-producing plants reliably in laboratories (tissue culture).

  Keeping vegetables and flowers fresh for longer periods after harvest.