Evidence for the Hormonal Control Of Stump Sprouting by Oak

Abstract

Abstract The relationships of hormones, light, and carbohydrates to initial basal sprout development of oak stumps were examined. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA 3 maleic hydrazide (MH), and sucrose were applied to decapitated trees. I AA inhibited the development of suppressed buds, an effect antagonized by MH; the other compounds did not markedly affect sprouting vigor. Reduced light intensities resulted in decreased sprout initiation. Hormonal action, not carbohydrate reserves, appears to control breaking of bud dormancy in oak stumps. Forest Sci. 16: 165-171.