EFFECTS OF NODE POSITION ON LATERAL BUD OUTGROWTH IN THE DECAPITATED SHOOT OF IPOMOEA-NIL

The effects of node position and initial bud size on lateral bud outgr owth were studied following the release of apical dominance by decapit ation of the main shoot of Ipomoea nil just above each of the first si x nodes. Position effects were found. The greatest outgrowth occurred during a four-day period in the buds at the middle and higher nodes, w ith the least growth occurring in the bud at the lowest and oldest nod e. Variation in leaf number had no effect. Although initial bud size a ppears to have some influence over the outgrowth of lateral buds follo wing decapitation, age and the associated factor of inhibitor content probably play a more significant role.