Question

Apical dominance means

• A. Suppression of growth of apical bud by axillary buds
• B. Suppression of growth of axillary buds by the presence of apical buds
• C. Stimulation of growth of axillary buds by removal of apical buds
• D. Inhibition of growth of axillary buds by removal of apical buds

Answer 1

The correct option is B Suppression of growth of axillary buds by the presence of apical buds

Auxins are generally produced by the growing apices of the stems and roots, from where they migrate to the regions of their action. In most higher plants, the growing apical bud inhibits the growth of the lateral (axillary) buds, a phenomenon called as apical dominance.

Apical dominance is thought to be due to production of auxins in the stem tips. Removal of shoot tips (decapitation) usually results in the growth of lateral buds. It is widely applied in tea plantations, hedge-making.