Mechanical stimulation in plants: molecular insights, morphological adaptations, and agricultural applications in...

Mechanical stimulation, including wind exposure, is a common environmental factor for plants and can significantly impact plant phenotype, development, and growth. Most responses to external mechanical stimulation are defined by the term thigmomorphogenesis. While these morphogenetic changes in growth and development may not be immediately apparent, their end-results can be substantial. Although mostly studied in dicotyledonous plants, recently monocot grasses, particularly cereal crops, have received more attention. This review summarizes current knowledge on mechanical stimulation in plants, particularly focusing on the molecular, physiological, and phenological responses in cereals, and explores practical applications to sustainably improve the resilience of agricultural crops.