Pruning helps in making the hedge dense because
1. it frees axillaery buds fromapical dominance
2. more root growth supports more shoot branches
3. the apical shoot grows slower after pruning
4. it induces the differentiation of new shoots from the rootstock

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Detailed Explanation:

The correct answer is: 1. it frees axillary buds from apical dominance

What Is Pruning?

Pruning is the horticultural practice of selectively removing parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. It’s often done to shape a plant, remove dead or diseased tissue, or encourage growth in a desired direction.

When it comes to hedges, pruning is essential to maintain density, shape, and health.

Apical Dominance Explained:

In most plants, the apical bud (the tip of the main shoot) suppresses the growth of axillary buds (buds found in the axils of leaves). This phenomenon is called apical dominance and is regulated by the plant hormone auxin.

Auxin, produced in the apical bud, travels down the stem and inhibits axillary bud outgrowth, ensuring that the plant grows vertically rather than bushy.

How Pruning Helps:

• When the apical shoot is pruned, auxin production is halted or reduced.

• This releases the axillary buds from apical dominance.

• Freed axillary buds now begin to grow into lateral branches, making the hedge denser and bushier.

This is why strategic pruning is often done early and regularly in hedge maintenance to ensure compact growth.

Other Options (Incorrect):

• Option 2: While more root growth may support more shoots, it’s not the primary mechanism here.

• Option 3: Slower apical growth is a result, not a cause, of increased bushiness.

• Option 4: New shoots from the rootstock are not typically induced by pruning the top.

Conclusion:

The reason pruning makes a hedge dense is because it removes apical dominance, allowing axillary buds to grow into lateral branches. This simple but powerful practice transforms spindly plants into lush, compact hedges.