An axillary bud is an embryonic or organogenic
shoot which lies dormant at the junction of the
stem and
petiole of a
plant. An example of axillary buds are the eyes of the potato.
Effects of auxin As the apical meristem grows and forms
leaves, a region of meristematic cells is left behind at the node between the stem and the leaf. These axillary buds are usually dormant, inhibited by
auxin produced by the apical meristem, which is known as
apical dominance. If the apical meristem is removed, or has grown a sufficient distance away from an axillary bud, the axillary bud may become activated (or more appropriately freed from
hormone inhibition). Like the apical meristem, axillary buds can develop into a stem or flower.
Diseases that affect axillary buds Certain
plant diseases - notably
phytoplasmas - can cause the proliferation of axillary buds, and cause plants to become bushy in appearance. ==References==