BioSciAdmin BioSci

Author    Correspondence author
Genomics and Applied Biology, 2026, Vol. 17, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 21 Sep., 2026

Topping is an important cultivation practice for regulating plant architecture, branching development, and flower production in chrysanthemum. However, the effects of different topping methods on branch formation and flower yield in Hangbaiju (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) remain insufficiently understood. This review systematically examines the effects of topping timing, intensity, and frequency on vegetative growth, axillary bud development, canopy structure, photosynthetic performance, flower bud differentiation, and yield formation in Hangbaiju. Topping can alleviate apical dominance and stimulate axillary bud outgrowth, thereby increasing the number and complexity of primary and secondary branches. Appropriate topping may improve canopy architecture, enhance light interception and photosynthetic productivity, and promote assimilate accumulation and allocation toward reproductive organs. In contrast, excessive or improperly timed topping may delay plant development, reduce photosynthetic source capacity, and adversely affect flower bud formation and final yield. A representative case study framework is proposed to evaluate different topping treatments based on plant morphology, branching characteristics, flowering traits, and yield components. Integrating physiological responses with yield-related indicators can facilitate the identification of optimal topping strategies. Overall, moderate and appropriately timed topping is expected to provide an effective approach for coordinating branching, canopy development, and flower production, offering a theoretical basis for precision cultivation and standardized production of Hangbaiju.