Which symptom is indicative of wind damage to plants?

Lodging, which refers to the bending or breaking of plants, particularly at the base, is a clear sign of wind damage. This occurs when strong winds cause plants to be uprooted or dislodged from their upright position. Wind can exert a significant physical force on tall or top-heavy plants, especially when the soil is wet and less supportive, causing them to fall over or become unstable. This symptom is particularly common in crops like cereals and ornamentals affected by gusty conditions.

In contrast, brown spots typically indicate issues such as disease or environmental stress, not direct physical damage from wind. Root swelling generally suggests a different problem, such as overwatering or root rot, and leaf shedding can be a response to various stresses, including drought or disease, rather than wind alone. Thus, lodging stands out as the most direct symptom related to wind damage.