Dubrovsky J. G., Gómez-Lomelí L. F., Water deficit accelerates determinate developmental program of the primary root and does not affect lateral root initiation in a Sonoran Desert cactus (Pachycereus pringlei, Cactaceae), American Journal of Botany, 2003, 90(6):823-831, doi: 10.3732/ajb.90.6.823
Experiments on Pachycereus pringlei seedlings describe termination of primary root growth and the influence of water deficit on its meristem. Measurements of cells and branching distinguish reduced root elongation from lateral root initiation. Severe stress accelerates growth termination while lateral primordium number is maintained.