Effect of Main Root Decapitation on Root Branching in Flax Seedlings

Root branching patterns in intact and decapitated flax (Linum usitatissimumL.) roots were compared. The number of initiated primordia in the control and decapitated roots was similar, but decapitated roots produced an increased number of lateral roots owing to an increase in the number of primordia developed into the laterals. It is suggested that the apical meristem influences lateral root development only at the stage of root emergence from the parent root.