If a shoot cutting is treated with auxin, which of the following is likely to result?

Options

A. Extensive root production :
B. Suppression of apical dominance
C. Growth of lateral buds
D. Bolting of the shoot

Answer

To answer the question "If a shoot cutting is treated with auxin, which of the following is likely to result?", we will analyze the effects of auxin on plant growth and development.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Auxin**: Auxins are a class of plant hormones that play a crucial role in the regulation of plant growth and development. They are primarily involved in processes such as cell elongation, root formation, and apical dominance.

2. **Effect on Root Formation**: When a shoot cutting is treated with auxin, it promotes root formation. Auxins stimulate the development of roots from the cut end of the shoot, which is essential for establishing a new plant.

3. **Extensive Root Production**: The application of auxin leads to extensive root production. This means that the treated cutting will develop a significant number of roots, which helps in better anchorage and nutrient absorption.

4. **Suppression of Apical Dominance**: Auxins are known to maintain apical dominance, which is the phenomenon where the main central stem of the plant grows more vigorously than the side stems. Therefore, the statement about the suppression of apical dominance is incorrect in the context of auxin application.

5. **Growth of Lateral Buds**: The growth of lateral buds is typically stimulated by cytokinins, not auxins. Auxins actually inhibit the growth of lateral buds due to apical dominance.

6. **Bolting of Shoots**: Bolting, which is the rapid elongation of the flowering stem, is primarily influenced by gibberellins, not auxins. Therefore, this statement is also incorrect.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the effects of auxin, the most likely result of treating a shoot cutting with auxin is extensive root production. Thus, the correct answer is that extensive root production will occur.

### Final Answer:
If a shoot cutting is treated with auxin, the likely result is **extensive root production**.