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-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino)purine is a zeatin precursor.

Application

Zeatin has a variety of effects including: 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. The two isomers of Zeatin are found to have different effects biologically, as trans-zeatin is found to be bioactive while cis-zeatin has a weak impact. This distinct bioactivity is not a result of difference in uptake and accumulation of trans-Zeatin as opposed to cis-Zeatin. In the tobacco callus bioassay, cis-Zeatin was found to be less active than trans-Zeatin. There is no evidence of cis↔trans isomerization in plant tissues.