Apical dominance.
Axillary buds usually do not grow due to apical dominance:
release of auxin by apical meristems.
- Auxin from the apical bud inhibits the growth of axillary buds.
- If the apical bud is removed, cytokinins, produced in roots,
stimulates the growth of axillary buds and lateral branches.
- Applying auxin to the stump suppresses growth of the lateral branches,
indicating both hormones play a role in determining lateral growth.