Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Agrobacterium-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation of Recalcitrant Maize Inbred Lines Using Morphogenic Genes
Published on: February 14, 2020
Phytochrome-mediated germination control of maize caryopses
1Institute of General Botany, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 621, Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Maize caryopses sown in water germinate equally well either in darkness or under any light regime. However, when they are imbibed in mannitol solutions, continuous far-red light proves to be strongly inhibitory on the final germination as compared to darkness. Similar but less pronounced inhibition is also exhibited by continuous red or blue light. Intermittent far-red light can partially substitute for continuous far-red light in inhibiting maize caryopsis germination, and its effect is reversed to the intermittent red light level when red light is given immediately after each far-red illumination. These results are interpreted as a proof of existence and involvement of phytochrome in the germination control of maize caryopses, though its manifestation is realized only under osmotic stress.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Signaling in Plants
Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata

