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The inhibition of the development of some or all of the lateral buds by the terminal (apical) bud of a shoot. Removal of the terminal bud releases some of the lateral buds from inhibition. This implies that a substance produced at the apex, most probably auxin, is responsible for the inhibition, though its method of action is unclear. Apical dominance is not so marked when nutrients are plentiful, suggesting that available nutrients are first delivered to the terminal bud and only those in excess of requirements reach the lateral buds. Cytokinins have also been shown to promote the growth of lateral buds.
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