The phenomenon that the terminal buds of plants are long and the lateral buds are inhibited. (According to Cihai) The inhibitory effect of plant terminal bud growth on lateral bud germination and lateral branch growth (see the schematic diagram of terminal advantage in the figure), including the influence on the growth angle of lateral branches or leaves. According to the Encyclopedia of China, there is a close relationship between terminal buds and lateral buds in the process of plant growth and development. When the terminal bud grows vigorously, it will inhibit the growth of lateral buds. If the terminal buds stop growing for some reason, some lateral buds will grow rapidly. This phenomenon that the terminal buds grow first and the development of lateral buds is inhibited is called apical dominance.

In agricultural production, in order to increase the yield and control the plant type of flowers and trees, the growth of crops, fruit trees and flowers and trees is often controlled by eliminating or maintaining the top advantage. Removing terminal buds to protect lateral buds, such as "topping" and "topping", can make plants branch more and bloom more. Topping is often used to remove apical dominance, so as to promote lateral bud germination, increase the number of lateral branches, or promote the growth of lateral branches. For example, for fruit trees, the tree shape can be expanded to produce more fruit branches; For tea trees and mulberry trees, the relatively low-lying lateral branches are easy to pick; For street trees, the shade area can be expanded. Some chemicals can eliminate the advantage of terminal buds, promote the growth of lateral buds and increase crop yield, and the effect is similar to that of cutting terminal buds. For example, triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) has been successfully applied to soybean production. This method is called chemical topping.