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Electrostatic influence on phytochrome-mediated photomorphogenesis

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Abstract

Germination of "Grand Rapids" lettuce seed can be influenced by exposure to artificial electrostatic fields of 75 v cm−1 for periods of 0.2–4 min. Electrostatic treatment can substitute for red light, raising the dark germination level by 10%; germination of light-stimulated seeds is also increased by post-irradiation electrostatic treatment but pre-irradiation treatment represses germination slightly. In contrast to the additive interaction with red light, electric fields markedly antagonize the effects of far-red light. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to other recently reported phytochrome-mediated bioelectric effects.

Zusammenfassung

Die Keimung von "Grand Rapids" Salatsamen kann bei Einwirkung eines künstlichen elektrostatischen Feldes von 75 v cm−1 für die Dauer von 0.2 bis 4 Minuten beeinflusst werden. Die elektrostatische Behandlung kann als Ersatz für rotes Licht dienen, indem sie die Keimungsrate um 10% über den Wert im Dunkeln erhöht. Die Keimung von lichtstimulierten Samen wird durch elektrostatische Nachbehandlung erhöht, dagegen führt die elektrostatische Vorbehandlung zu einer leichten Senkung der Keimung. Im Gegensatz zur additiven Wirkung von rotem Licht, antagoniert die elektrostatische Behandlung die Wirkungen von Infrarot-Licht. Die Bedeutung dieser Ergebnisse wird im Zusammenhang mit anderen kürzlich gefundenen bioelektrischen Wirkungen diskutiert.

Resume

Il est possible d'influencer la germination des graines de laitues "Grand Rapids" en les plaçant durant 0,2 à 4 minutes dans un champ électrostatique artificiel de 75 v cm−1. Le traitement électrostatique peut être substitué à la lumière rouge qui augmente de 10% le pouvoir germinatif par rapport à l'obscurité totale. La germination de graines exposées préalablement à la lumière rouge est également augmentée par un traitement électrostatique. Par contre, l'interversion des deux traitements conduit à une légère diminution du pouvoir germinatif. Au contraire de l'effet cumulatif des actions de la lumière rouge et du champ électrostatique, ce dernier diminue nettement les effets des rayons infra-rouges. On discute la portée de ces résultats à la lumière d'autres effets électrostatiques découverts récemment.

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  1. Botany Department, University College, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NR, Wales, Great Britain

    G. H. Sidaway

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  1. G. H. Sidaway
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Sidaway, G.H. Electrostatic influence on phytochrome-mediated photomorphogenesis. Int J Biometeorol 13, 219–230 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01553030

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01553030

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