Histochemical localization of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase during the developmental stages of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a promising herb that has been used as both traditional and modern therapeutic agent by virtue of its bioactive compounds especially withanolides. Earlier in vitro studies revealed the relation between cytokinin (CK) level and biogeneration of withanolides. The information on the cytokinin metabolism in W. somnifera is lacking. The role of enzymes involved in cytokinin metabolism can provide the link between the level of cytokinin and withanolide production. CK is a plant growth regulator playing crucial role in almost all the developmental processes. It is agreed that, the oxidative breakdown of CK by cytokinin oxidase ( CKX ) is an important process by which plant tissues control the levels and distribution of CK. This paper reports histochemical localization of CKX at various developmental stages of W. somnifera .