Electrostatic sensitivity of the photo-receptive mechanism in germinating "Grand Rapids" lettuce seed.
Germination of "Grand Rapids" lettuce seed can be influenced by a 2-minute exposure to artificial electrostatic fields of 75 V cm(-I). To a limited extent, electrostatic treatment can substitute for red light by raising the dark germination level. Significant increases in germination, averaging up to 10%, were also observed following electrostatic treatment during, or after, short periods of red irradiation. In contrast, pre-irradiation treatment repressed germination slightly but significantly. An interaction with the phytochrome system is implied by the lack of any significant electrostatic influence after longer periods of red irradiation.
Botany Department, University College, CFI 3NR, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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Sidaway