SOME EFFECTS OF ETHYLENE ON GERMINATING WHEAT

Abstract

Ethylene at concentrations of 0.2% to 1.0% in air causes inhibition of the elongation of the shoots and roots of germinating wheat without any Inhibition of the rate of carbon dioxide emission. Gassing does not cause any major disturbances in gross protein hydrolysis in the endosperm, protein synthesis in the embryo, or translocation of nitrogenous substances as judged by soluble and protein nitrogen determinations. The dry weight of treated embryos is similar to that of untreated embryos of similar age during the first five days of germination. Treatment inhibits the water uptake of the embryos during the second, third, and fourth days of germination but increases the water uptake during the fifth day.