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

Hansen, Annalene; Gladala-Kostarz, Agnieszka; Hindhaugh, Rebecca; Doonan, John H.; Bosch, Maurice

Abstract

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.

Citation

Hansen, A., Gladala-Kostarz, A., Hindhaugh, R., Doonan, J. H., & Bosch, M. (2025). Mechanical stimulation in plants: molecular insights, morphological adaptations, and agricultural applications in monocots. BMC Biology, 23, Article 58. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02157-3

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Feb 12, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 25, 2025
• Publication Date: Feb 25, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 10, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 10, 2025
• Journal: BMC Biology
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-7007
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Article Number: 58
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02157-3
• Keywords: Lodging resistance, Cell wall remodelling, Grasses, Thigmomorphogenesis, Cereal crop mechanobiology, Crop resilience to mechanical stress
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3561812