Shoot growth refers to the growth of the upper part of the plant, including the stem and leaves. In this process, the plant stem grows from the apical meristem in its upper part, which is also known as the apical bud, and produces leaves and flowers. So the vegetative growth is done from the tips of the stems and continues.
During the vegetative growth, the stem of the plant lengthens and new organs called leaves are formed at the tip of the stem. These leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, gas exchange and food production for the plant. Flower and fruit production in plants is related to reproductive growth and does not include vegetative growth.
Vegetative growth is under the control of different physiological and hormonal processes. For example, a hormone called auxin, which is produced naturally in plants, plays an important role in vegetative growth. Auxin helps to increase the length of cells, create hematoxyl difference and regulate the direction of plant growth.
Vegetative growth in plants depends on various factors such as light, temperature, water, food and genetic factors. Any change in these cases can affect the growth of the plant. For example, light, which is necessary for photosynthesis, plays an important role in regulating vegetative growth, and changes in the intensity and duration of light can change the pattern of vegetative growth.
In general, vegetative growth in plants is a complex process that is controlled by various factors and leads to the development of stems and leaves in plants.
Effective factors in vegetative growth
The vegetative growth of plants is affected by various factors. The following elements are among the effective factors in the vegetative growth of plants.
the light: Light as an energy source is essential for plant photosynthesis. Appropriate and sufficient light for the plant facilitates the regulation of vegetative growth and the formation of leaves and stems. Also, light can regulate the direction of stem growth and leaf fall.
Water: Water is essential for plant growth. This element plays a major role in the process of photosynthesis, transporting food in the plant and supporting cell composition and cell structure.
Foodstuffs: Plants need different nutrients for the growth and development of stems, leaves and flowers. The main nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S). These elements have an effect on the process of photosynthesis, regulation of enzyme activity, cell growth and plant structure.
Hormones:Hormones play an important role in the vegetative growth of plants. Normally, auxin, gibberellin and cytokinin are among the most important hormones effective in vegetative growth. These hormones regulate the growth and division of cells, for the growth and differentiation of the plant and the formation of branches and flowers.
Temperature: Temperature also affects the vegetative growth of plants. Appropriate temperature is necessary for the growth and development of stems and leaves for any plant and can regulate enzyme activity and the process of regulating growth.
Biological stresses: Biological stresses such as drought, soil salinity, diseases and pests can also affect the vegetative growth of plants. These stresses can reduce the vegetative growth or cause a change in the plant growth pattern.
The proper balance of these factors and the provision of plant needs during vegetative growth play an important role in cell development, for the growth and formation of plant organs.
Nutrients suitable for vegetative growth
For the growth and growth of more plants, it is very useful to use fertilizers that provide the nutrients needed by plants in appropriate amounts. In the following, examples of fertilizers that are usually suitable for the vegetative growth of plants are given:
Nitrogen fertilizer (green manure): These types of fertilizers contain nitrogen, which is very vital for the growth of stems and leaves. They give plants the energy they need to make organic matter and encourage rapid growth. Pay attention not to use an excessive amount of nitrogen, because in this case, the balance of the elements will be disturbed, and the rapid growth will weaken and reduce the thickness of the branches and the trunk of the sapling, and the possibility of its breakage will increase. One of the best high-nitrogen fertilizers is Ermafert 30-10-5 NPK fertilizer. This fertilizer has all three main elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and the amount of nitrogen is more than the other two elements. This fertilizer is usually used as irrigation and is easily absorbed by the roots.
Phosphorus fertilizer: Phosphorus plays an important role in rooting and root system development. Fertilizers containing phosphorus influence the growth of the roots and make the roots stronger and more abundant. The best phosphorus fertilizer available in the market is Tanso 10-52-10 NPK fertilizer, which has 52% phosphorus along with nitrogen and potassium and is very useful for root growth.
Potassium fertilizer: Potassium has a role in regulating cell activity, regulating the upper part of plants and resistance to stresses. The use of fertilizers containing potassium helps the growth and prosperity of stems and leaves. NPK 12-12-36 potassium fertilizer has 36% of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus and can meet the plants’ need for this element.
Micro elements: Micro fertilizers have a great effect on the vegetative growth of plants and perform important functions in the plant. Deficiency or excess of any of these elements can greatly reduce the vegetative growth of plants.
Complete fertilizer: Complete fertilizers contain all macro and micro elements and can meet all the needs of your plant. One of the best complete fertilizers, which is suitable for all plants, is Tanso vitamin fertilizer, which contains all these elements together. In addition to the main elements, this fertilizer also contains amino acids, which increases the resistance of plants to environmental stresses.
Humic acid fertilizer: This fertilizer is an organic fertilizer that is used to increase vegetative growth and root growth and strengthen all plants. This fertilizer improves the soil and makes plants resistant to environmental stresses. Humi Plus Tanso fertilizer contains humic acid that can be used for all plants.
Before using any type of fertilizer, it is better to read the manufacturer’s instructions and set the amount and time of use correctly. Also, it is very important to pay attention to the specific needs of plants and the type of soil in the desired area.