M echanical conditioning is physical stimulation or stress deliberately applied in order to manage plant growth and quality (Latimer, 1991). Mechanical stress applied naturally or under controlled conditions alters growth, thus reducing the mass and size of major plant parts. The methods of applying mechanical conditioning in research include rubbing stems, brushing shoots, shaking potted plants and whole flats, vibrating pots or plants, and perturbing plants with water, forced air, or wind. The procedures most studied for transplants have been wind, brushing, and shaking; all of which result in physical displacement of the growing points.