Temperature sensing by primary roots of maize.
Zea mays L. seedlings, grown on agar plates at 26 degrees C, reoriented the original vertical direction of their primary root when exposed to a thermal gradient applied perpendicular to the gravity vector.  The magnitude and direction of curvature can not be explained simply by either a temperature or a humidity effect on root elongation.  It is concluded that primary roots of maize sense temperature gradients in addition to sensing the gravitational force.
Fortin M-CA
MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Poff
K L
KL
D006112:Gravitation; D018522:Gravitropism / Q000502:physiology; D006813:Humidity; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D013696:Temperature; D018523:Tropism / Q000502:physiology*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*