Fuente: PubMed "essential oil" Physiol Mol Biol Plants. 2026 May;32(5):1025-1039. doi: 10.1007/s12298-026-01749-9. Epub 2026 Apr 21.ABSTRACTKinetin (6-furfurylaminopurine; KN), a synthetic cytokinin, regulates various aspects of plant growth, physiology, and secondary metabolism. However, its potential role in enhancing essential oil (EO) biosynthesis in Ocimum basilicum L. remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the effects of exogenous KN on growth performance, physio-biochemical attributes , antioxidant defense, and EO biosynthesis in O. basilicum. Plants were treated with five KN concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 µM). Morphological traits, gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, and SPAD-based chlorophyll content were measured. Biochemical assays were conducted to assess the antioxidant defense system and the activities of Rubisco, carbonic anhydrase, and nitrate reductase enzymes. Trichome size and area were analyzed microscopically, and EO composition was determined using GC-MS. Results demonstrated that the KN application significantly influenced growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and antioxidant responses. Among the tested concentrations, 5 µM KN was the most effective, leading to increased biomass, enhanced photosynthetic and enzymatic activities, and improved antioxidant defense. Scanning electron microscopy revealed substantial increases in trichome size and area, which correlated positively with EO accumulation. GC-MS analysis further confirmed elevated levels of major bioactive compounds, particularly linalool and methyl chavicol. Collectively, these findings establish KN as a potent regulator of growth and EO biosynthesis in O. basilicum, bridging a key knowledge gap and highlighting its potential in enhancing agronomic productivity and pharmaceutical value.SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-026-01749-9.PMID:42222731 | PMC:PMC13216410 | DOI:10.1007/s12298-026-01749-9