We studied the influence of a synthetic cytokinin-like growth regulator (Cytodef) and heavy metal ions-Pb(2+), Sr(2+), Zn(2+), and Ni(2+)-on generation of superoxide anion (O (2) (aS (TM) a') ), lipid peroxidation, and carotenoids content in leaves of 7-day-old cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L., cv. Izyashchnyi). In some instances Cytodef reduced the toxicity of heavy metals: it mitigated the negative effect of metals on oxidative processes and elevated the concentration of antioxidants (carotenoids).