High‐resolution measurement of growth during first positive phototropism in maize†

Abstract

Abstract Growth redistribution which occurs as a result of phototropic stimulation was studied in red light‐grown, maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings. The pattern of elongation of small areas (0.1mm2) of coleoptile epidermis on intact plants was analysed from time‐lapse, photomicrographic records. Growth following unilateral, pulse irradiation with blue light was depressed on the illuminated side and was stimulated on the shaded side. The time at which the change in growth rate occurred, on both illuminated and shaded sides, was significantly earlier in apical patches than it was in basal patches. Both kinds of change in the growth rate (stimulation and depression) occurred rapidly such that a new, constant growth rate was often established within five minutes. Micrographic, time‐lapse records were also obtained of growth changes induced by sub‐apical, unilateral application of a spot of an indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and lanolin mixture. Growth on the side of the coleoptile to which IAA had been applied was similar to the growth on shaded sides of phototropically stimulated plants. The distance between apical and basal patches and the elapsed time between their changes in growth rate gave a velocity at which the growth response moved basipetally. Calculation of this velocity for blue light and auxin treatment gave values that were not significantly different. Thus, basipetal movement of a transverse auxin gradient could mediate growth changes that cause curvature of the coleoptile towards first positive fluences of blue light.