Cytokinins

Summary Cytokinins promote shoot development, delay leaf senescence, contribute to stress and pathogen responses, and serve as important signals to integrate growth rates throughout the plant. The identification of genes controlling CK synthesis and signaling has allowed us to understand the molecular basis for some of these effects with the hope of manipulating them for improved crop productivity, through increased drought tolerance, nutrient uptake and seed production. Furthermore, the exploration of the histidine-kinase phosphorelay system that is central to CK signaling has revealed a complex and fascinating cell signaling pathway.