Lumière, gourmands et rejets de souches

Abstract

A theory concerning the effect of illumination on the auxin equilibrium, i.e. the production and destruction of IAA in the aerial part of the plant, is discussed. Figures are presented showing the stimulation and inhibition of root, bud and stem growth in relation to the presence of 'acceptors' of IAA. On a practical level, it is well known that sudden release of young oak [Quercus robur] and hornbeam [Carpinus betulus] trees leads to large numbers of adventitious shoots forming along the stem; experiments are described in which it was shown that these shoots are inhibited by encasing the stems in black plastic sleeves. By similar methods it was shown that regrowth from stumps is light-dependent.