Question

Shoot decapitation is widely applied in tea plantations, hedge-making. Can you explain why?

Answer 1

1: Apical dominance
The phenomenon in which the growth of lateral buds gets inhibited due to the growth of apical bud is known as apical dominance. This is attributed to the action of auxin present at the apical regions of roots and shoots.

2: Decapitation
This is a process in which apical bud is removed to promote the growth of lateral bud by removing the effect of apical dominance.

3: Shoot decapitation in tea plantation
Shoot decapitation helps to remove the influence of auxin on the lateral buds. Hence, the dormant lateral buds become active and proliferate laterally making the plants bushy. This is widely used in hedge-making and tea plucking.