Influence of Temperature on Germination and Elongation of the Radicle and Shoot of Corn (Zea mays L.)1

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Abstract
Radicle and shoot elongation of seedlings of corn (Zea mays L. cv ‘UH108’) grown in wet, freely drained vermiculite were approximated by linear functions of time. The rates of elongation were greatest at about 30C and effectively ceased at 9 and 40C. The time for initiation of a radicle and a shoot decreased to a minimum at 30C with the radicle preceding the shoot. The water content of the seeds at initiation of the radicle were 57% at 30C and increased at less favorable temperature to as much as 75% at 12C. Shoot initiation occurred at 7 to 10% higher water contents than radicle initiation. The rate of radicle elongation was independent of the shoot but removal of the radicle reduced shoot growth by 15% at 20C. The apical meristem of an emerged seedling at 20C remained below the soil surface and was a function of the depth of planting. The equations derived for the processes and events have been incorporated into a mathematical model to predict germination and emergence of corn.

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