Description: The influence of exogenously applied compounds on the growth and morphogenesis of plant tissues as well as on the growth and development of plants have been studied for more than 6 decades. Nevertheless, the discovery of new bioactive compounds having selective activity and possessing specific applicability is a very difficult and sustained process. The present review presents design, purposeful synthesis, activity and possibilities for application of novel biologically active compounds, focusing on these with cytokinin-like properties. Compounds to be discussed include mainly the phenylureas, which represent the largest group of the nonpurine- type cytokinins. The phenylureas exhibit also other activities, such as growth-regulating, antiphytoviral, antimutagenic, pesticidal, etc.. Many synthetic growth regulators may be important and useful for plant applications due to their high activities and economical advantages - considerably less expensive and toxic. In addition, these synthetic compounds are metabolically stable, resistant to oxidases, and biologically active at low concentrations. Present and future possibilities regarding the practical application of newly developed bioactive compounds with cytokinin-like properties in plant kingdom are discussed as well