Which plant hormone inhibits the development of lateral buds in plants

Analyze the question: The question asks which hormone prevents lateral (axillary) buds from growing. This is the classic phenomenon of apical dominance.

Concept: The terminal (apical) bud produces auxin (IAA), which moves down the stem and suppresses the growth of the lateral buds below it. This is why the plant grows tall with few side branches. When the tip is cut off (pruning or decapitation), the auxin source is removed. Lateral buds then begin to grow, and the plant becomes bushy. This is why farmers and gardeners prune hedges.

Checking each option:

• A. Abscisic acid: Promotes dormancy, stomatal closure and leaf fall. It can inhibit growth in general, but it is not the hormone responsible for apical dominance.
• B. Auxins: Produced at the shoot tip, they inhibit lateral bud development. ✔
• C. Cytokinins: These do the opposite. They promote lateral bud growth and cell division.
• D. Florigen: The proposed flowering hormone.
• E. Gibberellins: Promote stem elongation, seed germination and fruit development.

Answer: B. Auxins

Exam tip: Remember "Auxin = Apical dominance" (both start with A). Auxin and cytokinin work against each other in lateral buds. Auxin inhibits them, and cytokinin stimulates them. Questions on removing the shoot tip often appear in JAMB, WASSCE and NECO.