Apical dominance, the inhibition of lateral bud growth by the apical bud, is principally governed by auxin, a hormone synthesized at the shoot apex. Conversely, cytokinin counteracts auxin, promoting lateral bud development and thus reversing apical dominance. Auxin sustains apical bud dominance by inhibiting lateral bud proliferation. Cytokinin stimulates cell division within lateral buds, effectively negating auxin's suppressive influence.Therefore, cytokinin is the hormone responsible for reversing apical dominance.