To answer the original question without all the bullshit arguing or discussion...

THe tap root is placed DOWN for one reason only...

It reduces the stress on the plant.

It gets no more simple than that.

Less stress = more females.

Have fun.
HARDDON Reviewed by HARDDON on . Myth about tap roots... OK for awhile now I have seen time and again people say "PUT THE TAP ROOT DOWN!!!!" when advising people on how to put a germinated seed to soil. I am curious why so many people seem to think this is such a big issue? I studied botony heavily as an undergraduate, and during a lab one day I specifically remember the PhD remarking that it makes no difference which way the tap root faces; it will grow down even if initially facing up (there was a lecture about gravitropism). The shoot will Rating: 5