The full form of BAP hormone is 6-Benzylaminopurine.
Understanding 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP)
6-Benzylaminopurine, often abbreviated as BAP, is a synthetic cytokinin. Cytokinins are a class of plant growth regulators that play a crucial role in various aspects of plant development. BAP mimics the effects of naturally occurring cytokinins. It also sometimes appears as benzyl adenine or BA.
Key Functions of BAP:
- Cell Division: BAP primarily promotes cell division (cytokinesis), a fundamental process in plant growth.
- Shoot Formation: It stimulates the formation of shoots and buds, contributing to the overall structure and branching of plants.
- Delaying Senescence: BAP can delay the aging or senescence of plant tissues, keeping them greener and more productive for longer.
- Flowering and Fruiting: It influences flowering and fruit development, leading to increased fruit set and yield in some plants.
Applications of BAP:
BAP is widely used in various agricultural and horticultural practices:
- Tissue Culture: It is a common component of tissue culture media, facilitating the multiplication of plant cells and the regeneration of whole plants.
- Crop Improvement: BAP is used to improve the yield and quality of various crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.
- Post-Harvest Preservation: It can extend the shelf life of cut flowers and other perishable plant products by delaying senescence.
Examples:
- In tissue culture, BAP is combined with auxins (another class of plant hormones) to control the differentiation of plant cells into roots, shoots, or callus (undifferentiated tissue). The relative concentrations of auxins and cytokinins determine the type of tissue that develops.
- Farmers may apply BAP to fruit trees to promote fruit set and increase the size and number of fruits.
- Florists use BAP-containing solutions to prolong the freshness and attractiveness of cut flowers.
