Abscises

Abscises is a term primarily used in botany to describe the shedding of a plant part, such as a leaf, flower, or fruit. This process is often triggered by environmental factors like changing day length or temperature, or by internal developmental cues. A specialized layer of cells, known as the abscission layer, forms at the base of the plant part. Within this layer, cells weaken and break down, eventually leading to the detachment of the part from the parent plant. Hormones, particularly ethylene and auxin, play a crucial role in regulating the formation and activity of the abscission layer. While abscission is a natural part of a plant's life cycle, ensuring efficient reproduction and survival, it can also be influenced by stress, disease, or mechanical injury. Understanding abscission is important in agriculture for managing crop yield and quality.