Endosperm cell division in maize kernels cultured at three levels of water potential

The influence of osmoticum treatments on early kernel development of maize (Zea mays L.) was studied using an in vitro culture method. Kernels with subtending cob sections were placed in culture at 5 days after pollination. Sucrose (0.29, 0.44, or 0.58 molar) and sorbitol (0, 0.15, or 0.29 molar) were used to obtain six media with water potentials of -1.1, -1.6, or -2.0 megapascals. Kernel water potential declined in correspondence with the water potential of the medium; however, fresh weight growth was not significantly inhibited from 5 to 12 days after pollination. In stress treatments with media water potentials of -1.6 or -2.0 megapascals, endosperm tissue accumulated water and solutes from 10 and 12 days after pollination at a rate similar to or greater than that of the control (-1.1 megapascals). In contrast, endosperm cell division was inhibited in all treatments relative to control. At 10 days after pollination, endosperm sucrose concentration was greater in two of the -2.0 megapascal treatments with 0.44 or 0.58 molar media sucrose compared to control kernels cultured in 0.29 molar sucrose at -1.1 megapascals. Significant increases in abscisic acid content per gram of fresh weight were detected in two -2.0 megapascal treatments (0.29 molar sucrose plus 0.29 molar sorbitol and 0.58 molar sucrose) at 10 days after pollination. We conclude that in cultured maize kernels, endosperm cell division was more responsive than fresh weight accumulation to low water potential treatments. Data were consistent with mechanisms involving abscisic acid or lowered tissue water potential, or an interaction of the two factors.