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.
This phenomenon by which the terminal/apical bud suppresses the growth of the lateral buds is called apical dominance. On removal of the apical bud, the lateral buds are allowed to sprout, which produces bushy growth. The apical bud restricts the growth of the lateral buds through the release of certain auxins. Thus the auxin causing apical dominance can be countered with cytokinin. This attracts nutrients towards and helps the lateral buds to grow by acting as an antagonistic.