# Cytokinin

> A class of plant hormones made mainly in roots that promote cell division, shoot and side-bud growth, and delay leaf ageing.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cytokinin.html
- Also written: cytokinins, kinetin, zeatin, BAP, 6-benzylaminopurine
- Glossary category: Plant biology · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

Cytokinins are adenine-derived hormones, such as zeatin, made largely in root tips and carried up the xylem. They promote cell division, release [axillary buds](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/axillary-bud.md) from [apical dominance](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/apical-dominance.md), delay [leaf senescence](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/senescence.md), and with [auxin](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/auxin.md) set whether tissue makes shoots or roots. Synthetic forms such as kinetin and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) are widely used in [tissue culture](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/tissue-culture.md).

## In practice

Growers rarely apply cytokinins directly, but the hormone links root health and shoot growth. A big, active root system supplies more cytokinin, which supports leafy, branchy growth and keeps leaves green longer. Root damage, cold or [waterlogged](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/overwatering.md) roots cut cytokinin supply, and part of the slowdown you see is hormonal.

In micropropagation, a high cytokinin-to-auxin ratio in the medium drives shoot multiplication; reversing the ratio drives rooting.

Seaweed extracts are often marketed as "cytokinin-rich". Concentrations and effects in cannabis are not well documented. Treat claims cautiously.

## Don't confuse with

- **Auxin**: promotes roots and apical dominance; often the counterweight.
- **Gibberellin**: drives elongation rather than division.
- **Abscisic acid**: a stress and dormancy hormone, broadly opposite in effect.

## Related terms

[Auxin](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/auxin.md), [Apical dominance](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/apical-dominance.md), [Senescence](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/senescence.md), [Axillary bud](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/axillary-bud.md)

## Read more

- [Topping: cutting the main tip for more colas](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/training/topping.md)

## Sources

1. Taiz L, Zeiger E, Møller IM, Murphy A. 2015. Plant Physiology and Development, 6th edition. Sinauer Associates.
2. Monthony AS, Page SR, Hesami M, Jones AMP. 2021. The past, present and future of Cannabis sativa tissue culture. Plants 10(1):185. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010185