Stimulation of Growth and α-Amylase Formation by the Fungicide ®Sibutol in Developing Wheat Seedlings

Abstract

Summary The effect of the dry-seed dressing Sibutol on the growth of wheat seedlings ( Triticum aestivum L. cv. Okapi) and the formation of α-amylases during development was studied. The results indicate that initially Sibutol promotes the germination of the seeds but later on affects the growth of coleoptiles and roots differently. In Sibutol-treated seeds the promotion of germination and growth is correlated with a stimulation of the net biosynthesis of α-amylases. In contrast to α-amylase isoenzyme II which is accumulated with an increased rate, the net biosynthesis of isoenzyme I occurs at a rate similar to that of untreated seeds, but it starts about one day earlier. The faster accumulation of α-amylases in the endosperm of Sibutol-treated wheat grains accelerates the mobilization of the starch. Thus the nutritional supply of the developing seedlings is increased and allows a more rapid growth.