The effect of late season damage on the apical bud development of Scots pine seedlings

The effect of Lygus rugulipennis Popp. feeding and artificial damage on the apical bud of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) late in the growing season was studied on two-year-old seedlings. Lygus feeding in late July and August caused inhibition of bud formation in the subsequent year's shoots, which led to loss of apical dominance and formation of interfascicular buds. Mechanical damage caused by piercing the apical bud with a needle in July, August and October produced scars and malformations on subsequent year's shoots and buds, but did not inhibit bud formation. Damage to the apical meristem could not be detected visually on the dormant bud before shoot elongation.