The relative proportion of auxin to cytokinin present in plant-tissue-culture media. Varying the relative amounts of these two hormone groups in tissue culture formulae affects the proportional growth of shoots and roots in vitro. As the ratio is increased (increased auxin or decreased cytokinin), roots are more likely to be produced, and as it is decreased root growth declines and shoot initiation and growth are promoted. This relationship was first recognized by C.O. Miller and F. Skoog in the 1950s.