Question

To get a carpet like grass, lawns are mowed requlth; is done to (a) remove the shoot apical meristem (b) remove the axillary buds (c) accelerate the growth of terminal bud (d) both (b) and (c).

Short answer

Mowing a lawn removes the shoot apical meristem, leading to the proliferation of horizontal rather than vertical growth of the grass. The correct answer is (a) remove the shoot apical meristem.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Function of Mowing

Mowing is a common practice for lawn care and its primary purpose is to trim down the top part of the grass. This involves understanding the parts of the grass being cut and how it affects the plant's growth.

Identify the Parts of the Grass Affected by Mowing

When mowing a lawn, the blades of the grass are cut off. This affects the shoot apical meristem, which is located at the top of the grass shoot and is responsible for the vertical growth of the shoot.

Determine the Effect of Mowing on Grass Growth

By removing the shoot apical meristem, the grass is triggered to grow more horizontally rather than vertically due to the removal of the dominant central growing point. This leads to a denser and more carpet-like lawn as lateral shoots develop.

Choose the Correct Answer Based on Function

Since mowing removes the shoot apical meristem, which is responsible for the vertical growth of the plant, the correct answer is (a) remove the shoot apical meristem. This is because the removal of the apical meristem will stimulate the growth of the axillary buds, not remove them, whereas (c) is incorrect because the terminal bud is effectively the shoot apical meristem.

Key concepts

Mowing Effect on Grass Growth

Mowing is much more than simply cutting grass to keep your lawn looking tidy. When you mow the lawn, you are engaging with a crucial aspect of plant anatomy, particularly targeting the shoot apical meristem.

This strategic cutting removes the shoot apical meristem, which sits at the tip of each grass blade and is responsible for the vertical growth. By removing this growing point, you alter the plant's natural growth pattern. Instead of growing upward, the grass shifts its energy to strengthening and expanding the growth of lateral shoots and axillary buds, which are found at the base of the blade.

Stimulating Horizontal Growth

The 'mowing effect' encourages the grass to grow outwards, creating a denser, carpet-like effect that many homeowners find appealing. This horizontal growth not only contributes to a lusher lawn but also helps in suppressing weeds by leaving them less room to grow.

It's essential to keep the mower blades sharp and to mow at the appropriate height to ensure that the grass remains healthy and capable of this kind of regrowth. Dull blades can damage the grass, making it more prone to disease. Therefore, proper lawn maintenance and mowing techniques are vital for optimal grass growth and health.

Lawn Care

A well-maintained lawn requires attention to both the frequency of mowing and the health of the grass. Regular mowing is not just aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to a stronger root system.

Best Practices for Healthy Grass

When taking care of your lawn, it's important to consider factors such as watering, fertilization, and mowing height. Avoid cutting the grass too short as this can stress the plants and lead to a less resilient lawn. Ideally, only the top third of the grass blade should be cut to prevent damage to the shoot apical meristem and allow for continued healthy growth.

Additionally, watering should be done deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting, and the right kind of fertilization should match the needs of your specific grass type. Remember to consider your local climate and the season, as these will dictate the intensity and frequency of lawn care practices.

Plant Anatomy

Understanding plant anatomy, especially the structure and function of the shoot apical meristem, is crucial to grasping why certain practices like mowing affect grass growth.

The shoot apical meristem is a tiny region at the tip of the plant shoot that contains undifferentiated cells. These cells have the potential to divide and give rise to various specialized plant tissues.

Understanding Growth Patterns

In grasses, the shoot apical meristem plays a significant role in vertical growth, allowing the blade to extend upwards. Once it's removed through mowing, the plant channels its energy into lateral growth, leading to a fuller appearance.

Being familiar with these aspects of plant anatomy can lead to better gardening practices and a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy lawn. By knowing exactly which part of the plant you're impacting with each cut, it's possible to manipulate the growth patterns to create the desired lawn density and structure.