When a plant grows toward water is called

When a plant exhibits the phenomenon of growing towards water, it is called hydrotropism. Hydrotropism is the directional growth of a plant in response to water. It is a crucial survival mechanism for many plants as it helps them to locate water sources, which is essential for their growth, development, and reproduction.

Mechanism of Hydrotropism

The mechanism of hydrotropism is somewhat similar to that of phototropism, which is the directional growth of plants in response to sunlight. In hydrotropism, the roots of the plant secrete certain chemical signals called hormones, which help in the perception of water molecules. The gradient of these hormones helps the plant to grow towards the water source. The process of hydrotropism is also influenced by the growth hormones, such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins, which regulate the growth and development of the plant as well.

Adaptive Significance of Hydrotropism

Hydrotropism is an essential mechanism for the survival of many plants, especially those living in regions with low water availability. It allows them to efficiently locate water sources, which is critical for their growth and reproduction. It also helps in the efficient uptake of nutrients, which are available near the water source. This mechanism is particularly important during seedling establishment, as the young plants have limited resources and need water to grow and thrive.

Examples of Hydrotropic Plants

Many plants exhibit hydrotropism. One such example is the pea plant, which grows towards water as it sprouts from the seed. Another example is the corn plant, which shows hydrotropism in response to the water gradient in the soil. The roots of the corn plant grow towards the wetter regions of the soil. Some other examples of hydrotropic plants include maize, wheat, and soybeans, which are all staples in human diets.

Hydrotropism in Agricultural Practices

Hydrotropism has significant implications in agriculture as well. Farmers need to ensure that their crops have access to adequate water to grow and thrive. Hydrotropism helps in identifying the best locations for planting crops and irrigation practices. By understanding the mechanism of hydrotropism, farmers can optimize the use of resources and minimize water wastage.

Conclusion

Hydrotropism is an essential mechanism that helps plants to locate water sources, which is critical for their survival and growth. Understanding the mechanism of hydrotropism is critical for farmers and scientists to develop better strategies for crop production and management. It is also an intriguing phenomenon for researchers to explore and understand the intricate mechanisms that govern plant growth and development.