Question

How does pruning help in making the hedge dense ?

• A. It induces the differentiation of new shoots from the rootstock
• B. It frees axillary buds from apical dominance
• C. The apical shoot grows faster after pruning
• D. It releases wound hormones

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Pruning is a horticultural practice that involves removing certain parts of plants, such as branches or stems, to stimulate growth and maintain structure. Understanding how pruning helps to make a hedge dense requires a look into a plant's physiological processes, particularly related to growth patterns and hormone influence.

The question explores the reasons behind the role of pruning in creating dense hedge growth. Let's look at each option provided:

1. It induces the differentiation of new shoots from the rootstock: This process involves the development of new growth from a plant's root structure, but it is more related to propagation and regeneration rather than density enhancement.
2. It frees axillary buds from apical dominance: This is the correct answer. Apical dominance is a phenomenon wherein the main central stem of the plant grows dominantly, suppressing the growth of lateral (axillary) buds via hormones such as auxins. When the apical shoot is pruned, the influence of these hormones is reduced, allowing axillary buds to grow, which results in bushier and denser foliage.
3. The apical shoot grows faster after pruning: Pruning does not speed up the growth of the apical shoot; rather, it encourages lateral growth as previously explained.
4. It releases wound hormones: While pruning can indeed lead to the release of certain hormones (like ethylene) that help in the healing process, this does not directly cause densification of the plant.

Based on the above explanations, pruning helps in making the hedge dense primarily by freeing axillary buds from apical dominance, thus encouraging the growth of lateral shoots.