Predetermination of lateral shoot characteristics in grand fir
The terminal bud and all but one subterminal bud were removed from the terminal leaders of shade-grown 15-year-old grand fir plants at monthly intervals during the season of their formation. The growth of shoots from the remaining subterminal bud was assessed in August of the following growing season and compared with control shoots. These latter displayed marked plagiotropy and distichy under the conditions of the experiment. In treated plants, compensatory growth occurred, with respect to both number of leaves and internode length. The shoots assumed a more vertical position, earlier treatment being more effective. The distichous positioning of leaves on these shoots, however, was not affected, causing leaves to be oriented in a manner inefficient for light interception. Plagiotropy seemed to have been imposed on the shoot gradually, during the season prior to its growth, whereas distichy was perhaps imposed close to the time of inception of the shoot's apical meristem. Possible reasons for this are discussed.