A device and method for applying a wind force to a plurality of plants in
an agricultural environment is provided to screen for selected
wind-resistance traits in the plurality of plants. In one embodiment of
the present invention, a device is provided including a generating device
for creating a moving fluid stream to provide the wind force, a directing
device, such as a duct and/or movable vane, for precisely and selectively
directing the wind force towards a portion of at least one plant, and a
controller for adjusting one or more parameters of the fluid stream. The
device and/or method embodiments of the present invention may thus be
used to selectively apply the wind force to one or more plants (or
portions thereof) such that the plants may be evaluated with respect to
one or more wind-resistant physical characteristics.