Pruning or lowering the level of a hedge with a hedge trimmer stimulates the hedge to become more bushy because:
A) this stimulates the production of ethylene gas.
B) removing the apical meristems makes more auxin, which stimulates lateral branch buds to grow
C) removing the lateral buds results in apical dominance under the influence of cytokinins.
D) removing the apical meristems makes less ethylene, thereby stimulating lateral branches to grow
E) removing the apical meristems results in less auxin, thereby allowing lateral branches to grow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pruning or lowering the level of a hedge removes the apical meristems, which are the primary sources of auxin production. Auxin inhibits the growth of lateral buds through a phenomenon known as apical dominance. When the apical meristems are removed, the concentration of auxin decreases, reducing its inhibitory effect on the lateral buds, thereby allowing them to grow and making the hedge bushier.

Pruning or Lowering the Level of a Hedge with a Hedge