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Energetics of Early Seedling Growth in Corn (Zea mays L.)¹

Early growth of the corn seedling was studied in relation to its dependence on energy from endosperm and early photosynthetic tissue. Measurements were made of (1) endosperm utilization rate of seedlings grown in light and dark; (2) growth and leaf area of seedlings as affected by partial endosperm removal; and (3) photosynthesis (P), respiration (R), and ¹⁴CO₂ uptake of seedlings affected by endosperm excision at different ages. Endosperm utilization and growth rates were similar in light and dark until the two-leaf stage l0 days after germination. Regression of root and shoot growth on age was 15.4 mg/day and of root and shoot growth on endosperm weight loss was .65 mg/mg. Partial removal of the endosperm at seeding resulted in decreased growth of roots and shoots and indecreased leaf area per seedling. Apparent P was negative at 9 days of age and was greatest for seedlings with endosperm excised. Apparent P was positive and similar at days 11, 12, and 13 for seedlings with endosperm excised and was positive, and increased from day 11 to day 13 for seedlings with endosperm. Energy obtained from CO₂ fixation was not equivalent to that supplied by the endosperm until the 10th day. At this time seedlings had two fully emerged leaves. Absorption of ¹⁴CO₂ was similar for seedlings with and without endosperm, and increased with age as a result of increased leaf area and increased absorption per unit of leaf area. Endosperm removal resulted in greater translocation of ¹⁴CO₂ to seedling roots.

Key Words: Photosynthesis • Respiration • Germination energy

² Agronomist, Crops Research Division, ARS, USDA and graduate assistant. Dept. of Botany and Microbiology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont. 59715.

Received for publication July 11, 1969.

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