On the electric potential variations at the germimating period of crops : Potato

Abstract

The purpose of the present experiments were twofold - to analyse the action currents in in potato tubers, and to determine the relationship of the potential to cell activity at the period of sproutang. Our experiments were conducted with fall crops of Early-Rose potatoes during the spring of 1948 and 1949. The measurements were made by the use of sensitive galvanometer with zinc Zinc-sulphate electrodes induced to the skin and to the flesh of tubus. Principal results obtainod were as follows: I. The acrion current appeared generally at the end of rest period. The magnitude of both action potential and rest potential increased as the tubers began to sprout and falls off rapidly with the continuanance of the sprouting. II. The electric properties disappeared when the buds reached about 0.5cm. in length. This stage can be said "the critical period" in electrophysiological sense. III. The magnitude of action currents were more significant with pre-cooled tubers (2°C.-3°C.) This fact is full of suggestion considering that the low temperature favors the breake of dormancy. IV. The mechanical stimulation by the use of vety sharp knife increased in action potential. This procedure was found to be very successful for the potatoes production and it has been already put inte the practlce.