Question

Compare the statement A with B. Statement A: Auxins produce apical dominance by suppressing the activity of lateral buds. Statement B: In horticulture, periodic pruning of shoot tips is done to make mulberry plants bushy.

• A. Both the statements A and B are correct and A is the reason for B.
• B. Statement A is correct and B is wrong.
• C. Statement B is correct and A is wrong.
• D. Both the statements A and B are correct and A is not the reason for B.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both the statements A and B are correct and A is the reason for B.

The apical bud inhibits the growth of lateral buds further down the stem by a phenomenon known as apical dominance. Auxin is produced by shoot tip and acts as a growth promoter for apical bud and inhibits the growth of lateral buds. When a terminal bud is removed, the nearest axillary buds begin to grow and the plant branches rapidly. In case of mulberry plants, prunning is done to remove apical dominance and causes more branching of the main body of the plant.