The Morphogenesis of Apple Buds

Abstract

The mechanism controlling the production of primordia by the apical meristem of apple buds has been studied by means of defoliation experiments and the dissection of buds. It is shown that the apical meristem of the bud passes through a series of comparatively stable phases of activity, changing relatively abruptly from one phase to another. The relation of the activity of the apical meristem to the development of the bud and foliage is discussed, and it is concluded that the rate of production of primordia is controlled by the younger leaf primordia in the bud, which may themselves be controlled by the foliage.