| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to develop a valid and convenientexperimental system for exploring photosynthate transfer inthe developing wheat grain. Structural characteristics relatingto photosynthate transfer and the composition of the endospermcavity sap were examined during the linear stage of grain developmentat 25±3 d after anthesis. Based on the results of thesestudies, an experimental system was devised to permit the directmonitoring and manipulation of photosynthate transfer from theendosperm cavity to the storage endosperm. A novel approachwas used whereby insertions were made into the endosperm cavityby a needle at the embryo end and a piece of microcapillarytubing at the stigma end of the detached grain. By this means,the experimental solution was delivered into and flowed longitudinallyunder gravity through the endosperm cavity to exit at the stigmaend. The composition of the experimental solution reflected the principalsolute concentrations and osmolality of the in vivo endospermcavity contents. With the introduction of the solution intothe cavity, it was found that the viability of grain tissueswas maintained for up to 30 h. During a 24 h period both therate of sucrose uptake and subsequent incorporation into ethanolinsolublecomponents were shown to reproduce the rate of starch biosynthesisand in vivo grain growth. Moreover, the experimental systemeffectively reproduced the in vivo pathway of photosynthatetransfer from the endosperm cavity via the modified aleuronecells into the endosperm. As a result, this system providesa new approach to study photosynthate transfer in the developingwheat grain. Key words: Wheat grain, endosperm cavity, experimental system, photosynthate transport |
