Auxin Production during the Development of the Grain of Cereals

Abstract

IT has been shown by Gregory and Purvis^1,2, Kostjucenko and Zarubailo^3,4 and others that the developing grain can be vernalized in the ear during the period of embryo formation. It has further been suggested by Cholodny^5,6,7 and others that auxin or a similar hormone plays an important part in the vernalization process. It appeared important therefore to undertake a direct study of the auxin relations in developing grain of both spring and winter varieties of cereals. The work was carried out with pure–line spring and winter varieties of Petkus rye. At known intervals after anthesis grains were removed from the ears and the auxin content determined by Went's coleoptile method. The hormone was obtained in two ways: (1) direct diffusion into agar, (2) extraction of the ground fresh material in water and subsequent concentration under reduced pressure. Relevant details of the methods will be published elsewhere.