Indole-3-acetic acid (also called auxin) is a phytohormone which is generally produced by the growing apices of the stems and roots, from where they migrate to the regions of their action. It is observed that the growing apical bud inhibits the growth of the lateral (axillary) bud (apical dominance).

Since apical meristem is the site of auxin synthesis, it is the physiological effect of the auxin which results in the phenomenon of apical dominance. When shoot tips is removed it usually results in the growth of lateral buds. This phenomenon is widely applied in tea plantations and hedge-making because as in tea plantation and industries, the apical bud is plucked for tea processing which results in more lateral buds thus enhancing plantation and further industrial purposes