Question

What is the mechanism underlying the phenomenon by which the terminal/ apical bud suppresses the growth of lateral buds? Suggest measures to overcome this phenomenon.

Answer 1

Apical dominance:

The apical bud is placed at the apex of the shoot where the growth of the shoot is observed. There is dominance of the main stem over the other lateral stems and the growth of the plant is usually vertical. This phenomenon is referred to as apical dominance.



Mechanism involved:

Auxins are synthesised at the shoot tips and are translocated downwards. They prevent the development of lateral buds and lead to the phenomenon of apical dominance.

Overcoming apical dominance:

Apical dominance can be overcome by the removal of the apical bud (shoot decapitation) or by application of cytokinins. 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.