The response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) transplants to mechanical stress

Abstract

Inhibition of the growth of young tomato plants took place under the influence of vibrational stress. The response of the plants was stronger in winter than in summer. The results of the mechanical stress treatment depended on the dosage: small doses of stress given repeatedly slowed down the growth of the transplant much more effectively than larger single doses given every day or every several days. The fresh weight of the shoots decreased under the influence of the stress, as did the dry weight, but to a smaller degree, thus the percentage of dry weight increased. The chlorophyll content in the leaves of plants treated with mechanical stress also increased.