Removal of shoot tips is a very useful technique to boost the production of tea leaves. This is because:
Gibberellins prevent bolting and are inactivated.
Auxins prevent leaf drop at early stages.
Effect of auxins is removed and the growth of lateral buds is enhanced.
Gibberellins delay the senescence of leaves.
, the growing apical bud inhibits the growth of lateral (axillary) buds, a phenomenon called apical dominance which is primarily controlled by auxins produced at the shoot tip. Removal of shoot tips (decapitation) removes this inhibitory effect, resulting in the growth of lateral buds. This technique is widely applied in tea plantations and hedge-making to promote branching and increase leaf yield .
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