Question

In a garden, the gardener cut the apical bud of Lawsonia (mehandi) because

• A. The length should be limited in Lawsonia.
• B. Due to the cutting of apical bud, the effect of Auxins decreases and lateral bud grows and forms dense appearance that is why it can give a definite shape.
• C. Other apical bud grows quickly due to cut of apical bud.
• D. Due to the cutting of apical bud effect of Ethylene decreases and the plant grows rapidly.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

In plants, the apical bud inhibits the growth of axillary buds which are present further down the stem and this phenomenon is called Apical dominance. This occurs due to a plant hormone Auxin. Auxin is produced by shoot tip and its concentration is highest there. It promotes the growth of apical bud but inhibits the growth of the lateral buds. When the Apical bud or terminal bud is removed, the nearest axillary buds begin to grow and the plant branches rapidly. Thus, for getting a fuller look, the gardener prunes the top of the plant to remove Apical dominance and this causes more branching in the plant body. Hence, in the garden, the gardener cut the apical bud of Lawsonia to remove Apical dominance caused by Auxin and promote the growth of later buds.

So, the correct answer is B.