How to use 6-BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine)

6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP)

Buy Now

How to use 6-BAP and create a working solution

6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) is a synthetic cytokinin, a class of plant growth regulators that influence cell division, shoot proliferation, and delay of leaf senescence. It is widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and tissue culture to promote plant growth and development. Its primary role is to stimulate cell division, enhance nutrient mobilization, and improve plants' overall growth and yield.

Applications of 6-BAP

• Horticulture: Enhances fruit set and size, delays aging, and improves shelf life.

• Tissue Culture: Stimulates shoot proliferation and bud induction.

• Agriculture: Promotes branching, flowering, and better fruit quality.
  

Properties of 6-BAP

Property	Details
Chemical Formula	C12H11N5
Molecular Weight	225.25 g/mol
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Solubility	Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol or NaOH solutions
Stability	Stable under normal storage conditions; avoid moisture
Optimal pH Range	5.5–7 for solutions
Melting Point	230–233°C
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light

Steps to Prepare and Use 6-BAP Solution

1. Materials Required:

   • 6-BAP powder

   • Ethanol or a weak NaOH solution (e.g., 0.1 M NaOH)

   • Distilled water

   • Weighing scale and pipette

2. Dissolving 6-BAP:

   • Determine the desired concentration (commonly 1 mg/mL for stock solutions). For example, to make 100 mL of a 1 mg/mL solution, weigh 100 mg of 6-BAP.

   • Dissolve in a small volume of ethanol or 0.1 M NaOH (5-10 mL per gram of 6-BAP) since it is not readily water-soluble.

   • Once dissolved, dilute with distilled water to achieve the required

3. Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the solution is homogeneous.

4. Application Rates:

   • Foliar Spray: Use a solution concentration of 10–50 mg/L for general plant growth promotion.

   • Tissue Culture Medium: Add 0.1–5 mg/L to promote shoot growth or bud induction.

   • Agriculture: Spray 20–100 mg/L on crops during vegetative or early flowering stages.

5. Storage:

   • Store the stock solution at 4°C.

   • Protect from light to prevent degradation.

   • Use within a few weeks for optimal activity.

6. Precautions:

   • Avoid direct skin or inhalation contact. Use gloves and a mask.

   • Apply during early morning or late evening to prevent rapid evaporation.

   • Use prepared solutions promptly; avoid long-term storage.
     

References for Further Reading

1. George, E.F., Hall, M.A., & De Klerk, G.J. (2008). Plant Propagation by Tissue Culture.

2. Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Moller, I.M., & Murphy, A. (2015). Plant Physiology and Development.

3. Relevant supplier and chemical safety data sheets (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, TCI Chemicals).