Pruning (Decapitation) of tea plants is done to discard the effects of

Options

A. `GA_3`
B. auxin
C. cytokinin
D. ABA

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pruning (Decapitation):**
- Pruning, also known as decapitation, involves the removal of the shoot tip of a plant. This technique is commonly used in the cultivation of tea plants.

2. **Identifying the Purpose of Pruning:**
- The main purpose of pruning is to manage the growth of the plant. Specifically, it is aimed at controlling the effects of certain phytohormones that influence plant growth patterns.

3. **Analyzing the Options:**
- The question provides several options regarding which phytohormone's effects are being discarded through pruning:
- Option 1: Gibberellic Acid
- Option 2: Auxin
- Option 3: Cytokinin
- Option 4: Abscisic Acid

4. **Evaluating Each Option:**
- **Gibberellic Acid:**
- This hormone is primarily involved in seed germination and stem elongation. It does not play a significant role in apical dominance, so this option is incorrect.
- **Auxin:**
- Auxin is known to promote apical dominance, which inhibits the growth of lateral buds. By removing the shoot tip (where auxin is concentrated), lateral buds are allowed to grow, making this option correct.
- **Cytokinin:**
- Cytokinins are involved in cell division and do not directly influence apical dominance. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- **Abscisic Acid:**
- This hormone is primarily responsible for stress responses, such as closing stomata during drought conditions. It does not relate to apical dominance, making this option incorrect.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer to the question is **Option 2: Auxin**, as pruning (decapitation) is done to discard the effects of auxin, allowing lateral buds to grow.