Influence of cytokinins on isoflavone and anthocyanin synthesis in red clover seedlings

Kinetin and N-6-benzyladenine stimulated isoflavone production in red clover, particularly if applied at an early stage in the nutrient solution. The cytokinins induced a reduction in yield and moisture content and an increase in anthocyanin synthesis. Anthocyanin also appeared in mature red clover leaves when petioles were girdled but isoflavone level remained unchanged, suggesting that certain enzymes synthesising isoflavones may become inactive during maturation of the leaf. The anthocyanin was tentatively identified as cyanidin-3-bioside. Isoflavone leaching was retarded from red clover discs when these were floated on kinetin, benzyladenine or benzimidazole solution.