Cytokinins - Apical Dominance

Cytokinins are also involved in the regulation of apical dominance. Wickson and Thimann studied the interaction of cytokinins and auxins in controlling the apical dominance. They isolated and cultured pea the stem sections in nutrient media containing auxins and no auxins. In the absence of auxins growth of lateral buds was not prevented. However, if cytokinins were added along with auxins, the inhibition of lateral buds was released. Wickson and Thimann also demonstrated the effect of cytokinins on entire shoots. When the intact shoot was soaked in a solution of kinetin, growth of lateral buds occurred even in the presence of shoot apical buds.

From this observation it was inferred that apical dominance exhibited by the shoot apex was overcome by the application of cytokinins. The present concept is that apical dominance is controlled by a balance between cytokinin and auxin concentrations. Some investigators suggest the possible inhibitory influence of cytokinins on auxin production. The cytokinin application to the lateral buds may inhibit the synthesis of certain forms of IAA oxidase, normally induced by IAA translocated from the terminal bud. With the repression of IAA oxidase, the spared auxin may stimulate lateral bud growth and shoot development. In addition to the possible inhibition of IAA degradation, cytokinins may initiate a sink effect at the site of lateral buds to attract diversion of nutrients from other regions.