8. 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.
8. 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.

Solution:

Apical dominance is the mechanism behind the phenomena of the terminal/apical bud suppressing the growth of lateral buds. Decapitation, or the removal of the apical bud (shoot cutting), which slows the apical bud’s growth and stimulates the growth of the lateral branches, is used to overcome this.