No matter how much space and light are available, radial growth distribution in Fagus sylvatica L. trees is under strong biomechanical control

Key message

This study presents the first attempt to quantify how the thigmomorphogenetic syndrome is involved in Fagus sylvatica L. tree growth responses to thinning. An experimental design preventing mechanosensing in half of the trees demonstrated that radial growth distribution in roots and along the tree stem is under strong biomechanical control.

Keywords
Fagus sylvatica L.; Pressler’s law; Thigmomorphogenesis; Thinning

Publication
Dongmo Keumo Jiazet, J.H., Dlouha, J., Fournier, M. et al. No matter how much space and light are available, radial growth distribution in Fagus sylvatica L. trees is under strong biomechanical control. Annals of Forest Science 79, 44 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13595-022-01162-8

Data and/or Code availability
The datasets and Code generated and/or analyed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Handling Editor
Alexia Stokes