Stem extension and mechanical stability of Xanthium canadense grown in an open or in a dense stand

摘要

Background and AimsPlants in open, uncrowded habitats typically have relatively short stems with many branches, whereas plants in crowded habitats grow taller and more slender at the expense of mechanical stability. There seems to be a trade-off between height growth and mechanical stability, and this study addresses how stand density influences stem extension and consequently plant safety margins against mechanical failure.