Question

How will you induce lateral branching in a plant which normally does not produce them ? Give reason in support of your answer.

Answer 1

Lateral branching is induced by removing the apical bud in plants. It is because the apical bud inhibits the growth of lateral buds due to apical dominance. It has been shown that the auxin synthesized in the apical bud inhibits growth of lateral bud. On removing the apical bud the influence of auxin is destroyed and the next axial bud grows out rapidly.