Cytokinins are substances close to purine bases (substituted adenins). It is a family of phytohormones essential for the development of the plant as well as auxin, which acts as hormones in plants.

6-Benzylaminopurine is the most widely used adenine-based cytokinin as a supplement in plant growth media such as Murashige and Skoog medium, Gamborg′s medium, and Chu′s N6 medium

6-Benzylaminopurine, benzyl adenine, BAP or BA is a first generation cytokinin plant growth regulator influencing plant growth and development, setting blossoms and stimulating fruit richness by stimulating cell division. It is an inhibitor of respiratory kinase in plants, and increases post-harvest life of green vegetables. Influence of cytokinin as 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in combination with other methods on postharvest green color retention on broccoli heads and asparagus spears, showed positive results for quality retention.