The effect of unidirectional stem flexing on shoot and root morphology and architecture in young Pinus sylvestris trees

Mechanical stresses experienced by a tree during lateral loading may cause alterations in both shoot and root growth (thigmomorphogenesis). Many of the previous studies on this subject have concentrated on shoot responses to lateral loads, while root system responses to stresses caused by external loading have been investigated only in more recent years, and even then only rarely in trees. This study presents the effect of unidirectional stem flexure of young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) on their root system morphology and architecture.