In order to investigate the function of the peptidyl plant growth factor, phytosulfokine-alpha (PSK-alpha), in plants, we examined the effect of PSK-alpha on the growth and chlorophyll content of Arabidopsis seedlings under high night-time temperature conditions. Although exposure to high night-time temperatures markedly reduced the fresh weight and chlorophyll content of the seedlings, these parameters in the plants supplied with PSK-alpha remained at the same levels as those of non-treated controls. These effects were not apparent when [2-5]PSK, Tyr-SO3H and kinetin were similarly supplied. The results suggest that PSK-alpha not only promotes cell proliferation, but may aid plants in their tolerance of heat stress.