Bud set in<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Abies nordmanniana</Emphasis> Spach. influenced by bud and branch manipulations

Buds and branches were experimentally removed in spring from 3-year-old seedlings of Abies nordmanniana to stimulate growth allocation to the leader. Great allocation changes were observed the same year, not only to the leader but also to bud formation. Subapical buds, 'whorl buds', increased in average number from 4.5 up to 5.0, their diameter increased up to 36%, and the number of new lateral buds increased up to approximately 300%. Treatments involving the subapical ("whorl") buds had stronger effects than those involving other lateral buds and branches. The observations raise some questions as to the possible self-organizing mechanisms of a Massart architectural type tree and are discussed in relation to functionality and application for forestry.