Electron-probe Microanalysis Studies of Silicon in the Elongating Basal Internodes of Avena sativa (L.), Hordeum sativum (Jess.) and Triticum aestivum (L.)

Silicon deposits in the elongating basal internodes of almostmature, field grown specimens of Avena sativa, Hordeum sativumand Triticum aestivum were investigated using electron-probemicroanalysis. In A. sativa and H. sativum silicon was foundto be confined to the cells in the endodermal layer, being presentwithin the inner tangential and radial walls, and occasionallyin the outer tangential wall. In T. aestivum some silicon wasalso located in walls of cells surrounding the vascular bundles. The anatomy of the internodal tissues is discussed for the threespecies from light micrographs. The endodermal layer is discontinuousin A. sativa and H. sativum, in the former species it partlyextends around individual vascular bundles. In T. aestivum itforms a complete cylinder around the stelar region and alsoshows considerably more thickening of the inner tangential wallthan in the other species. The results are discussed in relation to the anatomy of theinternodal tissues and the possible function of silicon in theendodermis. Avena sativa L., Hordeum sativum Jess, Triticum aestivum L., oat, barley, wheat, silicon deposition, electron-probe microanalysis     

Electron-probe Microanalysis Studies of Silicon in the Epicarp Hairs of the Caryopses of Hordeum sativum Jess., Avena sativa L., Secale cereale L. and Triticum aestivum L.

Silicon deposits in the epicarp hairs of the caryopses of mature,field-grown specimens of Hordeum sativum, Avena sativa, Secalecereale and Triticum aestivum were investigated using electron-probemicroanalysis. In all four cereals, silicon was most concentratedat the extreme tips of the hairs. In barley, it was the onlyelement detected; in the other three cereals potassium and calciumwere located below the tip. In wheat, chlorine was also detected. The hair bases of the different cereals displayed variationin the elements detected. Silicon and polassium were presentin all four and calcium present in all except rye. The hairbases of wheat also contained chlorine; phosphorus and zincwere located in barley. The latter alone showed variation ofelements between hair bases. Scanning electron microscopy revealed heavy striations of thehair tips of barley and oats. In rye and wheat, the tips weresmooth but there were slight surface markings below the tip. The results are discussed in relation to the possible functionsand significance of the epicarp hairs and their silicification. Avena sativa L., Hordeum sativum Jess., Secale cereale L., Triticum aestivum L., oat, barley, rye, wheat, epicarp hairs, silicon, electron-probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy     

The Distribution of Silicon Deposits in the Roots of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench. and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

The occurrence of silica in relation to meristematic zones andthe thickening of the endodermis in the roots of Molinia caerulea(L.) Moench. and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. has been investigatedby means of the electron-probe microanalyser and the scanningelectron microscope. In proximal regions of mature roots ofM. caerulea, the central strengthening tissue of the stele,the vessel walls, the endodermis and the sub-epidermal sclerenchymaare areas of heavy accumulation. The distal regions of suchroots are relatively free of silicon and show little thickeningof the inner tangential walls of the endodermis or of the cellsof the strengthening tissues. The thickening of these elementsis shown to be associated with their location and the age ofthe root. In the proximal regions of S. bicolor, silicon is detected andlargely confined to the inner tangential walls of the endodermiswhich display some thickening. In addition, discrete and evenly-distributeddeposits varying in size partly fill the lumen of this layer.Some cells exhibit a number of smaller protrusions. High magnificationsof these lumen deposits show a distinct granular structure incontrast to the very uniform pattern of the wall deposits. The results are compared with deposits in grass leaves and inflorescencebracts and in woody perennials. The presence of silicon in additionto suberin, lignin and polyphenols in the thickened endodermalwall is also discussed in relation to the recognized functionof the endodermis.     

X-ray Microanalysis of the Seminal Root of Sorghum bicolor with Particular Reference to Silicon

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. cv. P508.GB plants were grown inwater culture for 1 week, when the seminal roots were harvestedand sampled at five positions starting from the base: 0.0, 0.25,0.50 and 0.75 of the axis length, and a sub-apical position,11 mm behind the tip. Mineral distribution in bulk frozen rootsegments was investigated using SEM and X-ray microanalysis.The elements detected were potassium, chlorine, sulphur, sodium,phosphorus, calcium and silicon. The first four occurred inall root zones. Phosphorus was ubiquitous, but appeared to accumulatein the pericycle protoplasm. Calcium and silicon exhibited themost variation along the seminal axis. Calcium was present inall tissues at the base, but decreased acropetally, being detectedin only the outer cortical and epidermal walls of the subapicalzone. Silicon was present at low levels in protoplasts and wallsof most root tissues, and accumulated in the endodermal protoplastand walls. Deposition in walls is initiated coincident withthe earliest stages of secondary wall thickening. Silicon contentof the inner tangential wall of the endodermis exhibits a decreasingacropetal gradient along the axis length. It is absent frommost cell walls of the sub-apical zone. Silicon pathways inthe root, and silica aggregate formation in relation to thesurrounding ionic environment, are discussed. Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench, seminal root, cryostage, SEM, X-ray microanalysis, ion localization, silicon, endodermis     

Male Sterility and Anther Wall Structure in Copper-deficient Plants

Anther development and pollen sterility were followed in plantsof wheat, oat, barley, sweetcorn, sunflower, petunia and subterraneumclover grown at a range of copper supplies. Copper-deficientplants had increased pollen sterility. Lignified wall thickenings were reduced or absent in the endotheciaof anthers from Cu-deficient plants. Reduced seed set may resultboth from reduced pollen fertility or failure of the stomiato rupture due to decreased lignification of anther walls. Triticum aestivum L., wheat, Hordeum vulgare L., barley, Avena sativa L., oat, Zea mays L., corn, sweetcorn, maize, Helianthus annuus L., sunflower, Petunia hybrida L., Trifolium subterraneum L., subterranean clover, male sterility, anther development, copper deficiency     

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Silica Deposits in the Culms, Floral Bracts and Awns of Barley (Hordeum sativum Jess.)

Deposits of silica in the culm internodes, floral bracts andawns of Hordeum sativum Jess (cv Deba Abed) have been investigatedusing the scanning electron microscope The deposits were isolatedfrom all organic matter by digestion with nitric and perchloricacids Two basic types of deposits were recognized, lumen andwall silicification, the latter with or without lumen infillings In the culm internodes, lumen deposits are derived from idioblasts(‘hats’), sclerenchyma and xylem vessels In thefloral bracts they are derived from idioblasts (‘hats’and astenform opals), epidermal long cells (dendriform opals),sclerenchyma and xylem vessels The shape of these deposits doesnot generally resemble the outline of the cell itself, but depositsderived from cell walls do closely resemble the infact cell.In the culm, the walls of stomatal cells, trichomes and, largelythe outer tangential walls of mature long epidermal cells, becomesilicified, together with some cork cells In the floral bracts,silica is found in most epidermal cell walls but is confinedto the trichomes, scutiform cells and costal epidermal cellsearly in their development At maturity concentrations of silicaare much higher in the floral bracts and awns than in the culmsand leaves The results are discussed in relation to the pattern of depositionand its possible functions. Hordeum sativum Jess, barley, silica deposits, opals, scanning electron microscopy     

THE PRESENCE OF PROTEASE-DIGESTIBLE MATERIAL IN GOLGI VESICLES DURING ENDOSPERM DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTED CEREALS

The presence of dictyosomes secreting densely stained vesicles throughout endosperm protein body formation was confirmed for four cereals (rice, Oryza sativa L.; hard red winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L.; winter feed barley and spring malting barley, Hordeum vulgare L.; oats, Avena sativa L.). The contents of the Golgi vesicles and protein bodies were digested with proteases for all cereals except rice. It was found in the case of rice that OsO₄ altered the proteins in the Golgi apparatus and protein bodies making them resistant to protease digestion. These results imply that the Golgi apparatus plays an important role in the concentration and transport of storage proteins into vacuoles.     

The Inhibition of Growth in Higher Plants by a Homologous Series of Guanidines and its Reversal by Spermine

The effects of guazatine, synthalins A and B and a homologousseries of aliphatic monoguanidines on the growth of cress, barleyand oat seedlings, and apple cell suspension cultures have beenstudied. In the homologous series of aliphatic monoguanidines[NH₂C(=NH)NH(CH₂)_x–1CH₃] greatest inhibition was foundwith x = 8-10 for cress, barley and oats and x= 10–14for apple cells. Spermine partially reversed the inhibitionin the light for cress and barley but in the dark no reversalwas found. Technical guazatine inhibited growth to a greaterextent than pure guazatine, and was comparable in toxicity tosynthalin B in cress, barley and oats. Reversal by spermineof inhibition due to guazatine and synthalin B was greater inthe light than in the dark in these plants. Calcium ions didnot reverse the toxicity of guazatine, synthalin B or dodine.Reversal of the inhibition by guazatine, synthalin B and dodineof the growth of the apple cells was considerably greater withspermine than with spermidine. Lepidium sativumcress, Hordeum vulgarebarley, Avena sativaoat, Malus sylvestrisapple, guanidines, guazatine, synthalins, dodine, spermine, spermidine     

A Quantitative Scale of Spike Initial and Pistil Development in Barley and Wheat

Spring barley cv. Koru and spring wheat cv. Highbury were grownin constant controlled conditions of 16 h photoperiod, and temperaturesof 10 and 15 °C respectively. A range of spike growth anddevelopmental attributes were closely monitored from seedlingemergence to pollination in the most advanced floret. Simple, quantitative scales of development from seedling emergence(0) to pollination (10) are proposed, based on the morphogenesisof the spike initial, then the floret and finally the pistil.These scales allow developmental (ontogenetic) progress to bequantified without involving any attribute of growth or sizeof the plant or its organs. Hordeum sativum Jess., Triticum aestivum L., barley, wheat, quantification of development, ontogenesis, morphogenesis, growth, spike initial, pistil, gynoecium     

The Ultrastructure and Analytical Microscopy of Silicon Deposition in the Intercellular Spaces of the Roots of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench

Silicon accumulation in mature roots of Molinia caerulea (L.)Moench. was investigated by transmission electron and Cora analyticalmicroscopy. Deposits are located in the intercellular spaces(ICS) of the persistent cortical cells immediately externalto the endodermis. The earliest deposits are in the form ofspheres lining the cavities and are followed by further depositswhich eventually fill the ICS. Evidence is presented that priorto and during the earliest silicon formations, many ICS revealedthe presence of cell organelles. No silicon was detected inthe inner tangential walls of the endodermis. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies ofsilicon deposits in the roots of Molinia and to possible pathwaysresulting in deposits associated with the ICS. Molinia caerulea(L.) Moench, roots, silicon deposition, analytical microscopy     

Cytochemical Studies on Phytochrome-Mediated Changes of Ca2+ Localization in Etiolated Oat Coleoptile Cells

The antimonate-staining procedure and X-ray microanalysis techniquewere used to determine the pattern of Ca₂₊ localization in etiolatedoat (Avena sativa L.) coleoptile parenchyma cells. Precipitatesof calcium antimonate, indicating the presence of Ca₂₊ and confirmedby X-ray microanalysis, were found associated with the outerand inner surfaces of the plasma membrane of cells of dark-grownseedlings. After exposure of seedlings to red light, precipitatesof calcium antimonate were additionally observed in cisternaeof the endoplasmic reticulum. In the cells of oat coleoptilesexposed to red light and then followed immediately by farredlight, Ca₂₊ was observed on the outside of the plasma membrane,in cell walls and in the vacuoles. The results suggest thatphytochrome mediates the regulation of the intracellular Ca₂₊localization. Key words: Antimonate procedure, Avena sativa L., Ca²⁺ (localization), phytochrome, X-ray microanalysis     

Phenylalanine Ammonia-lyase Activity in Barley After Infection with Bipolaris sorokiniana or Treatment with its Purified Xylanase

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity was determined from leaves and roots of two barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars after infection with a necrotrophic pathogen, Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem., and treatment with its purified xylanase. PAL activity increased in leaves of both cultivars 16 h after fungal inoculation but two phases, with activity peaks at 24–32 h and 40 h, were recorded only for the more resistant cultivar, Agneta. Attempts to use a PAL inhibitor, χ-amin, ooxyacetic acid, to increase susceptibility to B. sorokiniana in barley leaves were unsuccessful. Treatments of leaves with purified xylanase resulted in more rapid (4–12 h after injection), although reduced, induction of PAL compared with fungal injection. The higher the concentration of xylanase applied the earlier the activity peaks were detected. Fungal inoculation only slightly increased PAL activity in barley roots while xylanase treatment had no effect. The basal level of PAL was however much higher in roots than in leaves. In wheat, Triticum aestivum L. resistant to B. sorokiniana, the time-course of PAL induction after fungal infection and xylanase treatment resembled that for cv. Agneta, while in oats, Avena sativa L. (non-host) PAL activity did not change after the treatments. The results suggest that the second phase of PAL induction, associated only with responses of barley cv. Agneta and wheat, is linked with their resistance to B. sorokiniana infection. The possible role of xylanase as an elicitor of PAL is discussed.     

Errors in Leaf Area Measurement with an Automatic Area Meter due to Leaf Chlorophyll in Crop Plants

This study revealed that an area meter with a semi-automaticfeeding mechanism underestimated the area of yellowish leavesand wavy leaves in crop plants. It is recommended that areameasurements should be made using photocopied leaves and leafsegments. The degree of underestimation should be checked whenchlorophyll meter (SPAD) values are less than 30.Copyright 1999Annals of Botany Company Glycine max Merr., Hordeum vulgare L., leaf area meter, leaf colour, Oryza sativa L.,Solanum tuberosum L., SPAD, Triticum aestivum L., Zea mays L.     

Electron-probe Microanalysis Studies of Silica Distribution in Barley (Hordeum sativum L.)

Silicon occurence has been investigated by means of epidermalpeels, cryostat, and ultrathin sections of the internode, nodes,leaves, inflorescence bracts, and caryopsis of Hordeum sativumL. (cultivar Deba Abed) using the electron probe microanalyser.Analyses were made on growth stages during ear emergence andat maturity. The results indicate that silicon is present inthe internode with the highest concentration associated withthe opaline deposits. Detectable quantities are also found inthe outer tangential walls of the long cells, in the walls ofstomata, the sclerenchyma, and all vascular bundle regions.In mature upper internodes, silicifiation is confined to theupper third region, but this limit extends closer to the basalmeristem with increasing age of internode. The nodes have agreater concentration in the radial than in outer tangentialwalls. Heavy deposits are found in the leaves but with considerablevariation between blade and sheath, abaxial and adaxial surfaces,and the leaf position. The flag leaf contained the highest accumulations. In the inflorescence bracts (lemma and palea), silicon is detectableonly in the abaxial epidermis and hypodermis. Awns are alsoheavily silicified with the highest concentrations in the sclerenchymaand trichomes.     

Wild Oat/Barley Interactions: Varietal Differences in Competitiveness in Relation to K+ Supply

Eight cvs of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were separately plantedwith Wild Oats (Avena fatua L., genetically pure line CS40)in a sand culture with two external K⁺ concentrations. Substantialdifferences were observed among barley cvs in their abilityto compete with wild oat. The variety Fergus was highly competitiveat both high and low [K⁺]_e, whereas Steptoe was competitiveonly at high [K⁺]_e, and Compana was only weakly competitivewith wild oat. The differences between barley cvs were relatedto their previously reported efficiencies of K⁺ uptake and utilization. Hordeum vulgare L., Avena fatua L., barley, wild oat, competition, K⁺ nutrition, utilization efficiency     

Observations on the Distribution of Mineral Elements in the Leaf of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), with Particular Reference to Silicon

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Wheaton) plants were grown inwater culture or in soil. Basal leaves (B) were harvested after3 weeks from the water culture plants, while flag leaves werecollected from soil-grown material at the time of inflorescenceemergence (E0) and 7 d after emergence (E + 7). Mineral distributionin bulk frozen leaves was investigated using SEM and X-ray microanalysis.The elements detected were silicon, phosphorus, chlorine, sulphur,potassium and calcium. Potassium was present in all cell typesat all harvests, chlorine was almost entirely confined to theadaxial and abaxial epidermi, while sulphur was only rarelydetected in the E0 and E + 7 leaves. Phosphorus was presentat higher levels in the E + 7 leaves than in the B or E0 leaves.At the B harvest calcium was confined to the adaxial epidermalcells, but in the E0 and E + 7 leaves it was present in bothepidermi. Silicon was, initially, mainly detected in the abaxialepidermal cells, but in older (E + 7) leaves it was presentin both epidermi and in some internal tissues. Mineral transportwithin the leaf and ionic environment at silica deposition sitesare discussed. Wheat, Triticum aestivum L., leaf, mineral distribution, X-ray microanalysis, silicon, calcium     

The Distribution of Silicon Deposits in the Fronds of Pteridium aquilinum L.

The occurrence of silicon in mature fronds of Pteridium aquilinumwas investigated using light and scanning electron microscopyand X-ray micro analysis. The heaviest deposits were locatedin the outer tangential walls of the epidermis of the petiole,but the upper epidermal cells of the costal regions of the laminaealso accumulated small quantities. No discrete bodies were associatedwith these deposits. However, the mid-ribs of the laminae exhibitedsome long siliceous fibres associated with the luminae of thestrengthening tissues. The significance of these accumulationsin relation to deposition mechanisms and possible carcinogeniceffects are discussed. Pteridium aquilinum L., bracken, frond, microanalysis, silica     

Foliar Uptake and Movement of Chlormequat in Cereals: Influence of Dose and Addition of Related Chemicals

Increased amounts of chlormequat applied to leaves of barleyand wheat resulted in a greater proportion being taken up andmoving to the tips of treated leaves. Combined foliar applicationwith certain other amines also increased uptake and movementof chlormequat - choline and glycine betaine were particularlyeffective - but a few others had the reverse effect. Ammoniumand sodium salts of acetic, butyric and hydrochloric acids alsoincreased movement of ¹⁴C-chlormequat Hordeum vulgare L., barley, Triticum aestivum L., wheat, chlormequat, foliar uptake     

The Direction of Growth of Seminal Roots of Triticum aestivum L. and Experimental Modification Thereof

The seminal root system of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) consistsof a primary seminal root and the first and second pair of seminalroots, counting upwards. These roots are plagiotropic. The directionof growth was estimated as the angle from the vertical for eachof the three types of seminal roots that protruded from a hemispherical,soil-filled basket buried in the field. The angle of growthvaried with cultivar. It was smallest in the primary seminalroot and largest in the second pair of roots in all 12 cultivarsgrown in the field. Attempts to modify the angle of growth weremade under controlled environmental conditions. When the grainwas sown with its embryo face down, the angle of growth of thefirst pair of roots became smaller in the cultivars with inherentlylarger angles. The excision of the primary seminal root affectedthe first pair of roots and the excision of the first pair affectedthe second pair. These effects comprised a decrease in the angleof growth and an increase in root diameter. These changes inthe angle of growth caused by root excision is interpreted asa kind of compensatory growth. The direction of root growthand its impact on shaping wheat root system is discussed.Copyright1994, 1999 Academic Press Compensatory growth, direction of growth, gravitropism, liminal angle, plagiotropism, seminal roots, Triticum aestivum L., wheat     

Interrelationship between Meristematic Regions of Developing Inflorescences of Four Cereal Species

A cultivar from each of four cereal species (Avena sativa L.,cv. Swan, Hordeum vulgare, L., cv. Clipper, Triticum aestivumL., cv. Gabo, and Secale cereale L., cv. South Australian Rye)was grown in controlled environment chambers in a 10-h photoperiod(short days) or 10-h photoperiod supplemented with a 6-h extensionby incandescent light. The developmental morphology of the inflorescenceswas followed to ascertain whether there were any common developmentalinterrelationships between the species. Inflorescence internodeelongation was initiated when the floret initial first appeared,irrespective of whether it occurred on the most advanced lateralspikelet or on the terminal spikelet of the rachis. The glumes(infertile bracts) of the terminal spikelet of the rachis wereinitiated when the first second-order inflorescence branch appeared,irrespective of whether the second-order inflorescence branchwas a floret initial or a lateral spikelet, as in Triticum sp.,or an inflorescence (panicle) branch, as in Avena sp. Cessationof the activity of the apical meristem, as measured by primordiumformation, was not correlated with any particular stage of floraldevelopment but appeared to be due to a lack of nutrients causedby an increasing competitiveness for the available nutrientsfrom the developing spikelets which are situated closer to thevascular system than the apical meristem.