About Lesson
Apical Dominance
High auxin concentration have an inhibitory effect on sprouting of lateral buds and therefore hinders growth of many branches.
If an apical bud, which normally contains high concentration of auxins, is removed, more lateral buds sprout producing many branches.
The failure of lateral buds to develop in the presence of an apical bud is due to the diffusion of auxins from the shoot apex downwards in concentration higher than that promoting lateral bud development.
Application:
- Pruning in agriculture where more branches are required for increased yields e.g. in tea and coffee.
Sample Question
In an experiment, the shoot tip of a young tomato plant was decapitated as shown in the diagram below
(a) State the expected results after 2 weeks (1 mark)
(b) Give a reason for your answer in (a) above (2 marks)
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