Magnetotropism
Magnetotropism
the bending of the stem or root of a plant as it grows under the effect of a natural or artificial permanent magnetic field. The direction of magnetotropism is determined by the physiological peculiarities of the plant and by its attitude with respect to the vector of magnetic field intensity. For example, the primary root of corn bends during growth toward the south magnetic pole, but the root of garden cress bends in the direction of the magnetic field gradient. Magnetotropism determines the orientation of the root systems of some agricultural plants, such as wheat, oats, sugar beets, and radishes.