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Springback and diagravitropism in Merit corn roots
1Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853.
Plant Physiology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Merit corn roots exhibit diagravitropism and a "springback" phenomenon when gravity is removed. This root behavior, linked to growth response, was absent in orthogravitropic corn and when tropism was enhanced.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Plant physiology
- Gravitropism research
Background:
- Plant roots exhibit gravitropism, orienting growth in response to gravity.
- Merit corn roots show diagravitropism (growing at an angle to gravity) in the dark.
- A phenomenon termed 'springback' (loss of curvature upon stimulus withdrawal) has been observed in these roots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of root gravitropism in corn.
- To understand the 'springback' phenomenon in diagravitropic corn roots.
- To explore factors influencing root curvature and springback.
Main Methods:
- Observing root growth and curvature in Merit corn under dark conditions.
- Comparing springback in Merit corn with orthogravitropic corn varieties.
- Assessing the effect of red light and abscisic acid on tropistic response and springback.
Main Results:
- Merit corn roots displayed diagravitropism and exhibited springback.
- Springback was not observed in orthogravitropic corn varieties.
- Enhanced tropistic responses (via red light or abscisic acid) in Merit corn roots did not show springback.
Conclusions:
- Springback in corn roots appears specifically linked to diagravitropism.
- The springback phenomenon may be associated with a weaker growth response in diagravitropic roots.
- Gravitropism and associated growth responses in corn roots are complex and influenced by multiple factors.
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