Fig. 4

Induction of AR formation by physical soil contact. Three independent experiments, each consisting of 16 plants, were statistically analyzed using Student t-test (*P < 0.01). Error bars indicate SE. a Stimulation of AR formation by soil contact. Plants were artificially fallen down, as described in Fig. 3b. The leaf nodes of the fallen plants were then embedded in the soil for 10 days. Representative plants were photographed (left photographs). Arrows and arrowheads indicate ARs formed at the lower and upper sides of the fallen tillers, respectively. Asterisks mark AR primordia. AR emergence was statistically analyzed (right graph). b Induction of AR formation by sand-driven mechanical touch. Leaf nodes were covered with soil or sand stack (left photographs). To minimize the sand humidity, miracloth was put in between the soil and sand stacks (sand+paper). AR emergence was statistically analyzed (right graph)