Training & Plant Architecture
Low-Stress Training (LST)
LST repositions intact shoots to redistribute height and light exposure without intentionally severing or crushing the stem.
Key concepts
- Shoots reorient through gravitropic and phototropic responses
- Bending changes which leaves and shoots receive direct light
- Anchors must avoid girdling
- Repeated small adjustments can be safer than one severe bend
What to measure or observe
- Track canopy height before and after repositioning
- Inspect tie points for constriction
- Observe branch reorientation over subsequent days
- Compare light distribution across the canopy
Common mistakes
- Using wire or ties that cut into stems
- Bending brittle branches abruptly
- Assuming more horizontal always means better light distribution
Visuals this lesson still needs
- LST before/after canopy map
- Safe anchor examples
- Shoot reorientation sequence
- Light redistribution overlay