Twisting branches_What would happen with leaves? Part 2

There was an article about this topic on this blog last spring.  Leaves on twisted branches have turned back within few days after the twist.  Surpriced?  Not really, I had noticed the same thing on a number of occasions on different deciduous species in my gardem.   

Based on this results I have decided to make another test later in the year  to check what would be the reaction at the end of the growing season?  All plants are at that time working hard to store as much nutrients ( maily carbs ) as possible.  Having the largest possible  surface area of leaves should be one of the most important factor for production of carbs.   Based on this assumption I thought that the leaves on twisted branches should turned back within few days. 

Results?

4.10.   Cotoneaster.  Just twisted.  

 


 13.10.   Nineth day after the twist.  C'mon quys - get moving!  

Some changes there but most visibly at the end of the branch ie only the youngest leaves are back in their normal position.  The others seems to be too lazy or old perhaps to care. 

24.10.  Not a big change.



It seems that the leaves at the end of their life cycle are by far less active to adapt their position to the change.   Seeing the changing colour of the leaves in the non twisted area may implies the answer:  The consumption of energy needed for the twist back will be higher than the gain of it.

Just a theory.  I would try to make the same excercise in early September 2021...


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