Apical dominance
It is a biological phenomenon where the main central stem of a plant grows more strongly than other side stems due to the inhibitory effect of auxins.
Также говорят: apical control
Apical dominance is controlled by auxins produced in the shoot apex, which actively suppress the development of lateral buds. This mechanism ensures that the plant prioritizes vertical growth to capture more light.
In agricultural practice, growers manage this by pruning, pinching, or topping. Removing the apical bud eliminates the source of auxins, allowing lateral buds to break dormancy and develop into productive side branches.
A common mistake is failing to time these interventions correctly relative to the plant's growth stage. Miscalculating the pruning period can lead to excessive foliage density or poor distribution of energy, potentially reducing the overall yield.