Thigmomorphogenesis in Solanum lycopersicum: Morphological and biochemical responses in stem after mechanical stimulation

Increased activities of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) (EC 1.1.1.197) and of peroxidase (EC 1.1.1.7), enzymes designated as markers of lignification process were associated with a higher lignin content in the rubbed internode. Cell wall rigidification as a result of changes in enzyme activities and accelerated lignification could explain the reduced elongation of treated tomato internodes.