condition in which the seminal bud inhibits the growth and development of the neighboring lateral buds on the same stem formed during the same season (see crown hierarchy).
apical dominance (Wikipedia)
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2011) |
In botany, apical dominance is the phenomenon whereby the main, central stem of the plant is dominant over (i.e., grows more strongly than) other side stems; on a branch the main stem of the branch is further dominant over its own side twigs.
Plant physiology describes apical dominance as the control exerted by the terminal bud (and shoot apex) over the outgrowth of lateral buds.