Repulsion theory

In botany, Repulsion theory is a theory that is used to explain how plants regulate the distance between new budding leaves on a stem. The theory states that each leaf on a stem secretes a substance that inhibits growth of a new leaf. A new leaf will only grow a certain distance away from the previous leaf where the concentration of the substance reaches a lower level.{{cn|date=August 2022}} Although no inhibitors have yet been discovered, the theory is supported by several surgical and modeling experiments.{{cite web| publisher=Dictionary of Botany| title=Repulsion theory| accessdate=2012-05-24| url=http://botanydictionary.org/repulsion-theory.html}}