Is Light and Gravity the Sole Influence on Tree Branch Growth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that the primary influences on tree branch growth are light and gravity, as evidenced by observations of plant behavior in various environments. Participants agree that branches tend to avoid shadows cast by nearby trees, supporting the idea that these factors dictate growth direction. While some suggest that electric fields may play a role, the consensus is that light and gravity are the dominant forces. Additionally, the fine structure of branches and genetic factors contribute to their growth patterns, but do not negate the primary influences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phototropism and gravitropism in plants
  • Basic knowledge of plant biology and growth patterns
  • Familiarity with the role of environmental factors in plant development
  • Awareness of chemical signaling in plant communication
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of phototropism in plants
  • Explore the effects of gravity on plant growth (gravitropism)
  • Investigate the role of electric fields in plant behavior
  • Study chemical signaling and communication among plants
USEFUL FOR

Botanists, horticulturists, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the factors influencing plant growth and behavior.

thedore
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I've had some arguments after I assumed ( perhaps wrongly) that electric fields were responsible for the direction that branches grow in. In any case my inquires on this all result in the same answers. That the direction of growth is determined by light and gravity. Do all you agree with this? To me it seems impossible. Branches have a fine structure and they always know how to avoid other branches close by. In some cases two trees will branch out away from each other but will not send branches toward the other tree. Also branches will develop so that they never touch each other. I think there has to be some other force that enters into this. Any commits?
 
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thedore said:
I've had some arguments after I assumed ( perhaps wrongly) that electric fields were responsible for the direction that branches grow in. In any case my inquires on this all result in the same answers. That the direction of growth is determined by light and gravity. Do all you agree with this? To me it seems impossible. Branches have a fine structure and they always know how to avoid other branches close by. In some cases two trees will branch out away from each other but will not send branches toward the other tree. Also branches will develop so that they never touch each other. I think there has to be some other force that enters into this. Any commits?

Gravity and the direction of light (which is a kind of disturbance to the electric field) do affect the directions that branches grow in, anybody can verify this with a pot plant. (Unless you live somewhere like the ACT, best not that kind of pot plant..) So it's hardly surprising that branches avoid growing into the shadow of nearby trees.

Now sure, plants do communicate in some ways (chemicals from one stressed plant can induce a nearby one to grow thicker bark), but that doesn't seem necessary here. The above paragraph isn't contradicted by the fact that branches also obviously have fine structure, and various features determined by their genetics. Also, if you really believe "branches will [..] never touch each other" go listen for the squeaking (in a bush of eucalypts) on a moderately windy day.
 
I live in New England.
 

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