Researchers at the Centre for Plant Science, University of Leeds, lead by Prof. Peter Meyer, have identified the gene responsible for producing the cytokinin hormone supply. The supply of this hormone in plants is responsible for cell division and shoot development and also has an effect on the life-span of a plant and its ability to withstand stress. The production of this hormone weakens considerably with age. The biggest potential for applying this research is to the preservation of quality during transport, extending the shelf life of flowers and improving the propagation in slow growing trees. It also has important implications to enhance a plant’s ability to withstand stress due to negative environmental conditions and attack by pests and diseases. The cytokinin hormone is normally stored in the roots. Now that the gene responsible for its synthesis has been identified, the level of the hormone can be artificially raised in various parts of plants, including cut-flowers. www.biology.leeds.ac.uk, E-mail: LIBA@leeds.ac.uk