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Abscission in botany refers to the controlled separation of a part of a plant from the main plant body. This process is most commonly observed in the falling of leaves or the dropping of fruit, which is regulated by the hormone abscisic acid (ABA). In deciduous plants, leaves are shed before the winter or dry season, while evergreen plants continually drop their leaves throughout the year. Fruit drop, or the abscission of fruit while still immature, is a naturally occurring process.
Abscission occurs after the formation of an abscission zone at the point of separation. Within this zone, a thin layer of cells known as the abscission layer becomes weakened and breaks down due to the conversion of pectic acid to pectin. As a result, the leaf, fruit, or other plant part can easily be dislodged by wind or rain.
The process of abscission is thought to be controlled by the amount of auxin, another plant hormone, present in the plant. Fruit drop is particularly common in fruit trees such as apples, and orchards are often sprayed with artificial auxin as a preventive measure to control the timing of fruit abscission.
Understanding the process of abscission is essential for horticulturists and farmers to manage the timing of leaf shedding and fruit drop in crops, ensuring optimal harvest times and crop yields.