Apical dominance meaning

Apical dominance definitions

What is Apical Dominance?

Apical dominance is a phenomenon in plants where the growth of the lateral buds is inhibited by the terminal bud. The terminal bud, located at the tip of the stem, releases hormones that suppress the growth of the side buds. This process allows the plant to allocate resources efficiently and focus on vertical growth.

Mechanism of Apical Dominance

The hormone responsible for apical dominance is auxin, which is produced in the terminal bud. Auxin inhibits the growth of lateral buds by preventing them from developing into new shoots. As long as the terminal bud remains intact and actively growing, it suppresses the growth of lateral branches.

Impacts on Plant Growth

Apical dominance plays a crucial role in shaping the overall structure of a plant. It ensures that the plant grows vertically by prioritizing the growth of the main stem over the side branches. This results in a pyramid-like growth pattern, with the main stem towering above the lateral branches.

Overcoming Apical Dominance

Pruning is a common practice used to overcome apical dominance in plants. By removing the terminal bud or cutting back the main stem, gardeners can encourage the growth of lateral branches and create a bushier plant. This technique is often employed to control the shape and size of ornamental shrubs and trees.

Overall, apical dominance is a fascinating aspect of plant growth that highlights the intricate ways in which hormones regulate development. Understanding how apical dominance works can help gardeners and farmers cultivate healthier and more balanced plants.

Apical dominance Examples

1. The gardener trimmed the branches to reduce apical dominance and encourage lateral growth.
2. Plant hormones play a significant role in regulating apical dominance in growing shoots.
3. The removal of the apical bud on a pine tree can lead to the release of lateral buds due to apical dominance.
4. Apical dominance is a natural phenomenon where the tip of a plant inhibits the growth of lateral buds.
5. Certain plant species exhibit stronger apical dominance, resulting in a more upright or columnar growth habit.
6. For bushier growth, some gardeners strategically prune to weaken apical dominance and promote side shoots.
7. Apical dominance helps plants allocate resources efficiently by prioritizing the main stem growth over lateral branches.
8. The apical dominance of certain trees can be manipulated through proper pruning techniques for better aesthetic appeal.
9. Plant breeders often select for traits that affect apical dominance to create desired plant forms for landscaping purposes.
10. Understanding apical dominance is crucial for successful plant propagation and cultivation in horticulture practices.

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