Starch Mobilization in Ultradried Seed of Maize (Zea mays L.) During Germination

The effects of ultradry storage on the starch mobilization in maize (Zea mays L.) seed after aging were investigated. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the content of ATP,starch, and soluble sugar, as well as the activity of amylase, between ultradried seeds and seeds stored at -20 ℃ during germination. These results were consistent with the higher level of vigor of the ultradried seed. Sieve tube introduction of a fluorescence dye (carboxyl fluoresceindiacetate) and laser confocal microscopy were used to study the development of plasmodesmata in the ultradried seeds. The results indicated that plasmodesmata developed well in ultradried seeds. Fluorescence analysis also showed that the fluorescence intensity in the radicle of ultradried seeds was stronger than that in seeds with a higher moisture content. This suggests that ultradry treatment has no adverse effects on the seeds. After seed imbibition, cell orgaelles could be resumed. It is concluded that ultradry seed storage is beneficial for maintaining seed vigor and that starchy mobilization proceeds regularly during germination.     

Effects of Moniliformin on Mitosis in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize (Zea mays L. ‘Norfolk White’) roots were treatedwith solutions of moniliformin (a metabolite of Fusarium moniliformeSheldon) at 0.0001 M and 0.001 M for 8, 24, and 48 h. Only aslight inhibition of division was noted in root tips treatedwith the lower concentration. The higher concentration causeda disruption of the spindle apparatus and consequent C-mitosis,and metaphase accumulation. (Received February 14, 1984; Accepted May 18, 1984)     

Endopolyploidy in Diploid and Tetraploid Maize (Zea mays L.)

Nuclei from different tissues such as stem, mesocotyl, nodalroot and root tip of diploid and tetraploid maize were isolated,stained with propidium iodide and passed through an EPICS-751flow-cytometer cell sorter. Variations in flow histograms wereobserved in different tissues. Stem tissues of both the diploidand tetraploid had two peaks representing G1 and G2 somaticnuclei. The remaining tissues in both the diploids and tetraploidsexhibited three peaks. The first peak observed in these tissuesrepresents G1 somatic nuclei of the lowest ploidy level. Thesecond peak represent G2 somatic nuclei of the lowest ploidylevel+G1 somatic nuclei of the next ploidy level. The thirdpeak represents G2 of the higher ploidy level+G1 somatic nucleiof the next higher ploidy level. Statistically significant differenceswere observed between the diploid and tetraploid maize tissueswith respect to nuclei distribution in the higher ploidy levelpeaks implying variation in the degree of endopolyploidy inthe diploid and tetraploid maize. The results of this studysuggest that the amount of endopolyploid observed in maize genotypeshas an effect on their overall agronomic performance under thefield conditions.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press Zea mays L., maize, endopolyploidy, diploid, tetraploid, flow cytometry     

Further Studies on Mosaic Disease of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) is proved to be an additional vector of maize mosaic virus (MMV). The pH range for the infectivity of the virus in extracted juice is found to be from 4.4 to 9.0, the optimum being 5.6 to 7.2. Effect of certain chemicals on the virusin vitro has also been studied. Cross protection between MMV and Sugar-cane mosaic virus (SMV) indicated positive results. It has been concluded on the basis of similar physical properties, tolerance towards certain chemicals, host range, symptomatology, aphid vectors and positive immunological tests, that MMV and SMV are related viruses.     

Sugar Efflux from Maize (Zea mays L.) Pedicel Tissue

Sugar release from the pedicel tissue of maize (Zea mays L.) kernels was studied by removing the distal portion of the kernel and the lower endosperm, followed by replacement of the endosperm with an agar solute trap. Sugars were unloaded into the apoplast of the pedicel and accumulated in the agar trap while the ear remained attached to the maize plant. The kinetics of ¹⁴C-assimilate movement into treated versus intact kernels were comparable. The rate of unloading declined with time, but sugar efflux from the pedicel continued for at least 6 hours and in most experiments the unloading rates approximated those necessary to support normal kernel growth rates. The unloading process was challenged with a variety of buffers, inhibitors, and solutes in order to characterize sugar unloading from this tissue.

Unloading was not affected by apoplastic pH or a variety of metabolic inhibitors. Although p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid (PCMBS), a nonpenetrating sulfhydryl group reagent, did not affect sugar unloading, it effectively inhibited extracellular acid invertase. When the pedicel cups were pretreated with PCMBS, at least 60% of sugars unloaded from the pedicel could be identified as sucrose. Unloading was inhibited up to 70% by 10 millimolar CaCl₂. Unloading was stimulated by 15 millimolar ethyleneglycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid which partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Ca²⁺. Based on these results, we suggest that passive efflux of sucrose occurs from the maize pedicel symplast followed by extracellular hydrolysis to hexoses.

     

Purification and Partial Characterization of Maize (Zea mays L.) beta-Glucosidase

Maize (Zea mays L.) β-glucosidase (β-d-glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) was extracted from the coleoptiles of 5- to 6-day-old maize seedlings with 50 millimolar sodium acetate, pH 5.0. The pH of the extract was adjusted to 4.6, and most of the contaminating proteins were cryoprecipitated at 0°C for 24 hours. The pH 4.6 supernatant from cryoprecipitation was further fractionated by chromatography on an Accell CM column using a 4.8 to 6.8 pH gradient of 50 millimolar sodium acetate, which yielded the enzyme in two homogeneous, chromatographically different fractions. Purified enzyme was characterized with respect to subunit molecular weight, isoelectric point, amino acid composition, NH₂-terminal amino acid sequence, pH and temperature optima, thermostability, and activity and stability in the presence of selected reducing agents, metal ions, and alkylating agents. The purified enzyme has an estimated subunit molecular mass of 60 kilodaltons, isoelectric point at pH 5.2, and pH and temperature optima at 5.8 and 50°C, respectively. The amino acid composition data indicate that the enzyme is rich in Glx and Asx, the sum of which approaches 25%. The sequence of the first 20 amino acids in the N-terminal region was H₂N-Ser-Ala-Arg-Val-Gly-Ser-Gln-Asn-Gly-Val-Gln-Met-Leu-Ser-Pro-(Ser?) -Glu-Ile-Pro-Gln, and it shows no significant similarity to other proteins with known sequence. The enzyme is extremely stable at 0 to 4°C up to 1 year but loses activity completely at and above 55°C in 10 minutes. Likewise, the enzyme is stable in the presence of or after treatment with 500 millimolar 2-mercaptoethanol, and it is totally inactivated at 2000 millimolar 2-mercaptoethanol. Such metal ions as Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ reversibly inhibit the enzyme at micromolar concentrations, and inhibition could be completely overcome by adding 2-mercaptoethanol at molar excess of the inhibitory metal ion. The alkylating agents iodoacetic acid and iodoacetamide irreversibly inactivate the enzyme and such inactivation is accelerated in the presence of urea.     

Bacterial Streak Disease of Maize (Zea mays L.) in South Africa

Bacterial streak disease of maize is currently causing some concern among breeders in South Africa. The causal organism of this previously undescribed disease was successfully isolated and its pathogenicity established using KoCH's postulates. Standard physiological and biochemical tests used to identify phytopathogenic bacteria indicated that the bacterium is a Xanthomonas campestris pathovar. Comparisons between this organism and other recognized X. campestris pathovars of the Poaceae indicated that apart from some minor differences the maize streak pathogen is physiologically similar to X. campestris pv. holcicola. However, in repeated reciprocal inoculation experiments all attempts to induce disease symptoms in sorghum with the maize streak pathogen were unsuccessful. Conversely, X. campestris pv. holcicola did produce symptoms in maize leaves. In all the maize cultivars tested the symptoms produced by the maize streak pathogen were, however, always considerably more severe than those caused by X. campestris pv. holcicola. Notwithstanding its physiological similarity to X. campestris pv. holicola it would appear that on the grounds of host specificity the maize streak pathogen warrants new pathovar status. The name X. campestris pv. zeae is proposed.     

Proteomic Analysis Revealed Nitrogen-mediated Metabolic, Developmental, and Hormonal Regulation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Ear Growth

Optimal nitrogen (N) supply is critical for achieving high grain yield of maize. It is well established that N deficiency significantly reduces grain yield and N oversupply reduces N use efficiency without significant yield increase. However, the underlying proteomic mechanism remains poorly understood. The present field study showed that N deficiency significantly reduced ear size and dry matter accumulation in the cob and grain, directly resulting in a significant decrease in grain yield. The N content, biomass accumulation, and proteomic variations were further analysed in young ears at the silking stage under different N regimes. N deficiency significantly reduced N content and biomass accumulation in young ears of maize plants. Proteomic analysis identified 47 proteins with significant differential accumulation in young ears under different N treatments. Eighteen proteins also responded to other abiotic and biotic stresses, suggesting that N nutritional imbalance triggered a general stress response. Importantly, 24 proteins are involved in regulation of hormonal metabolism and functions, ear development, and C/N metabolism in young ears, indicating profound impacts of N nutrition on ear growth and grain yield at the proteomic level.     

Electrotropism of Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots (Facts and Artifacts)

Intact and decapped primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.) were exposed to DC electric fields of 0.5 to 8.0 V/cm in low-salinity media to resolve conflicting results about the direction of electrotropism. In DC fields of 0.5 V/cm or 1.0 V/cm, intact roots always curved toward the cathode. In a field of 8.0 V/cm, intact roots curved toward the anode and stopped growth. Decapped roots also curved toward the anode both in weak and strong fields. The results indicate that growth toward the cathode is the true response of healthy roots.     

Low Water Potential Disrupts Carbohydrate Metabolism in Maize (Zea mays L.) Ovaries

Water deficit during pollination increases the frequency of kernel abortion in maize (Zea mays L.). Much of the kernel loss is attributable to lack of current photosynthate, but a large number of kernels fail to develop on water-deficient plants even when assimilate supply is increased. We examined the possibility that assimilate utilization by developing ovaries might be impaired at low water potential ([Psi]w). Plants were grown in the greenhouse in 20-L pots containing 22 kg of amended soil. Water was withheld on the first day silks emerged, and plants were hand-pollinated 4 d later when leaf [Psi]w decreased to approximately - 1.8 MPa and silk [Psi]w was approximately -1.0 MPa. Plants were rehydrated 2 d after pollination. The brief water deficit inhibited ovary growth (dry matter accumulation) and decreased kernel number per ear by 60%, compared to controls. Inhibition of ovary growth was associated with a decrease in the level of reducing sugars, depletion of starch, a 75-fold increase in sucrose concentration (dry weight basis), and inhibition of acid invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) activity. These results indicate that water deficits during pollination disrupt carbohydrate metabolism in maize ovaries. They suggest that acid invertase activity is important for establishing and maintaining reproductive sink strength during pollination and early kernel development.     

Structural Analysis of Secreted Root Slime from Maize (Zea mays L.)

Secreted slime isolated from the incubation medium of Zea mays roots maintained axenically contains fucose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, and glucose as the major monosaccharides. The slime preparation contains low levels (3% weight/weight [w/w]) of uronic acids. Methylation analysis reveals an extraordinarily diverse range of glycosyl residues. The fucosyl residues are primarily terminal (60%) and 3-linked (33%) with a relatively small proportion being 2-linked (6%). The methylation data are consistent with, but not proof of, the presence of a range of polymers including arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), xyloglucans, arabinoxylans, and glucans in the slime. The specific binding of the β-glucosyl Yariv reagent, a dye which binds and precipitates AGPs, to the slime preparation and to the outer periclinal epidermal cell wall surface in root sections, is further evidence for the presence of AGPs. Low levels of phenolic acids (approximately 0.17% w/w), in particular trans-ferulic acid, and protein (approximately 6% w/w) were also detected.     

Solubilization of a Proline Dehydrogenase from Maize (Zea mays L.) Mitochondria

L-Proline is oxidized to pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid in intact plant mitochondria by a proline dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.3) that is bound to the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane (TE Elthon, CR Stewart [1981] Plant Physiol 67: 780-784). This investigation reports the first solubilization of the L-proline dehydrogenase (PDH) from plant mitochondria. The supernatant from NP-40-treated etiolated shoot mitochondria of maize, Zea mays L., reduced iodonitrotetrazolium violet in a proline dependent manner. The pH optimum for this activity was 8. The apparent K_m for proline was 6.6 millimolar. When supplied with proline, this solubilized PDH activity also synthesized pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid. The PDH activity was inhibited in vitro by 300 millimolar potassium chloride but not by 300 millimolar potassium acetate. The PDH activity had a molecular mass that was greater than 150 kilodaltons. Mitochondria were prepared from etiolated shoots grown in 100% water-saturated vermiculite (control) and 16% water-saturated vermiculite (stress). The specific activity of solubilized PDH from the stress treatment was 11% of the same activity from the control treatment. Oxygen uptake in the presence of proline and ADP (state 3 proline oxidation) by mitochondria from the stress treatment was 25% of the same rate by mitochondria from the control treatment. Mitochondria were also prepared 16 hours after rewatering the seedlings growing in the stress treatment. Both the solubilized PDH specific activity and state 3 proline oxidation returned to the control levels. The specific activities of the NAD⁺-dependent pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase in the solubilized preparations were unaffected by these stress and recovery treatments. Oxygen uptake rates by intact mitochondria in the presence of ADP and NADH, succinate or malate-pyruvate were also unaffected by these treatments.     

Light-dependent Proton Excretion of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots

We investigated the change of root net proton excretion of seedlings of Triticum aestivum L. and Zea mays L. with daily variation of illumination using a multi-channel pH-stat system. We found an increase of net proton excretion during darkness and a drop after the beginning of illumination. Inhibition of carotenoid biosynthesis by norflurazone and photooxidation of chlorophylls did not change the periodicity or its induction. The induction of diurnal periodicity was possible with blue, green and red light. After induction the oscillation of net proton excretion continued for at least two cycles under constant light. We conclude that net H⁺ excretion of wheat and maize roots may be regulated by an endogenous clock or by a signal from the leaves. The nature of such a hypothetical signal remains unknown.     

烯效唑浸种对玉米幼苗生长和内源激素含量的影响

烯效唑浸种对玉米苗期叶片和叶鞘伸长生长有抑制作用,且抑制效应随烯效唑浓度的增大而增强,但植株粗壮,叶宽和茎基宽增加,根系增多,根长增加.烯效唑浸种的玉米幼苗中LAA和GA3含量下降,叶鞘中尤为明显;ZT含量则是地上部提高,根中下降,ABA含量提高,植株各器官中(IAA GA3)/ABA比值均下降,IAA/GA3比值均升高,IAA/ZT和GA3/ZT比值则是地上部降低,根中升高.     

Chlorophyll Synthesis from Protochlorophyll(ide) in Chill-Stressed Maize (Zea mays L.)

Illumination of aetiolated maize at temperatures lower than20 °C results in negligible accumulation of chlorophyll.Illumination of leaf tissue, previously incubated in 10 molm^–3 ALA in darkness, shows only a slight conversion ofprotochlorophyll(ide) to chlorophyll a and b at temperaturesless than 20 °C. A refined procedure for measuring photosynthesisby photo-acoustic spectroscopy in leaves that differ in chlorophyllcontent is presented. Studies of photosynthesis in aetiolatedseedlings illuminated at different temperatures by photo-acousticspectroscopy suggests that impairment of the chlorophyll pathwayis paralleled by an aberrant development of the thylakoid membrane. Key words: Protochlorophyll(ide), temperature, photo-acoustic spectroscopy, membrane biogenesis     

Effect of Water Loss on Germination Ability of Maize (Zea mays L.) Pollen

The correlation between water content and viability of maizepollen grains was studied on the basis of the germination abilityof pollen from a single cross hybrid. There was found to beclose correlation between viability of the grains and theirtolerance to desiccation. Most of the pollen grains in the hybridexamined survived a reduction by almost 50 per cent of the originalwater content without loss of normal function. With water lossgreater than this, less vigorous pollen grains died or losttheir ability to form pollen tubes. Consequently, when pollinationwas carried out using pollen with a water content reduced bymore than 50 per cent, only the most tolerant pollen grainssurvived to take part in the competition which precedes fertilization.Dry pollen grains required a longer period to establish adhesionto the stigma surface and to initiate pollen tubes than pollengrains with higher water content, but otherwise their behaviourwas normal. If more than 80 per cent of the original water contentwas lost, disturbances occurred in the physiology of the grainssurviving the treatment. This was exhibited as death or a reductionin rate of pollen tube growth. Drying of pollen by an amount which does not irreversibly damagethe more tolerant grains could possibly be used as a means ofpollen selection. Zea mays L., maize, pollen viability, pollen treatment, dehydration, pollen tube     

Effects of Salinity on Water Transport of Excised Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots

The root pressure probe was used to determine the effects of salinity on the hydraulic properties of primary roots of maize (Zea mays L. cv Halamish). Maize seedlings were grown in nutrient solutions modified by additions of NaCl and/or extra CaCl₂ so that the seedlings received one of four treatments: Control, plus 100 millimolar NaCl, plus 10 millimolar CaCl₂, plus 100 millimolar NaCl plus 10 millimolar CaCl₂. The hydraulic conductivities (Lp_r) of primary root segments were determined by applying gradients of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure across the root cylinder. Exosmotic hydrostatic Lp_r for the different treatments were 2.8, 1.7, 2.8, and 3.4·10⁻⁷ meters per second per megapascals and the endosmotic hydrostatic Lp_r were 2.4, 1.5, 2.7, and 2.3·10⁻⁷ meters per second per megapascals, respectively. Exosmotic Lp_r of the osmotic experiments were 0.55, 0.38, 0.68, and 0.60·10⁻⁷ meters per second per megapascals and the endosmotic Lp_r were 0.53, 0.21, 0.56, and 0.54·10⁻⁷ meters per second per megapascals, respectively. The osmotic Lp_r was significantly smaller (4-5 times) than hydrostatic Lp_r. However, both hydrostatic and osmotic Lp_r experiments showed that salinization of the growth media at regular (0.5 millimolar) calcium levels decreased the Lp_r significantly (30-60%). Addition of extra calcium (10 millimolar) to the salinized media caused ameliorative effects on Lp_r. The low Lp_r values may partially explain the reduction in root growth rates caused by salinity. High calcium levels in the salinized media increased the relative availability of water needed for growth. The mean reflection coefficients of the roots using NaCl were between 0.64 and 0.73 and were not significantly different for the different treatments. The mean values of the root permeability coefficients to NaCl of the different treatments were between 2.2 and 3.5·10⁻⁹ meters per second and were significantly different only in one of four treatments. Cutting the roots successively from the tip and measuring the changes in the hydraulic resistance of the root as well as staining of root cross-sections obtained at various distances from the root tip revealed that salinized roots had mature xylem elements closer to the tip (5-10 millimeters) compared with the controls (30 millimeters). Our results demonstrate that salinity has adverse effects on water transport and that extra calcium can, in part, compensate for these effects.     

The Growth and Development of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Five Temperatures

The objectives of this work were to measure growth and developmentrates over a range of temperatures and to identify processeswhich may limit vegetative yield of maize (Zea mays L.). Twosingle cross Corn Belt Dent maize hybrids were grown from sowingin a diurnal temperature regime of 16/6 °C day/night andin constant temperature environments of 16, 20, 24 and 28 °C.The 16/6 °C environment was close to the minimum for sustainedgrowth and 28 °C was near the optimum. Entire plants wereharvested at stages with 4, 6, 7 and 8 mature leaves in alltemperature treatments except 20 °C in which the final twoharvests were carried out at 9 and 10 mature leaves. Mean totalleaf number varied between 19.5 and 16.0 with the maximum occurringat 16/6 °C. Although harvests were carried out at comparableleaf numbers, and hence at similar developmental stages, thetime interval between sowing and harvest decreased considerablyas temperatures increased. The relative rates of dry weight and leaf area accumulationwith time increased with a Q₁₀ of 2.4 between 16 and 28 °C,while leaf appearance rate increased with a Q₁₀ of 2.9 overthe same range; both rates were highest at 28 °C. Althoughdry matter partitioning to the shoots increased with temperature,the area of individual leaves varied in a systematic patternwhich resulted in maximum leaf area, leaf area duration andconsequently dry weight being realized at 20 °C for anygiven stage of development. Zea mays, corn, low temperature stress, temperature response, growth, development