Changes in trace element composition of developing barley grain

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Abstract
Summary: Changes in the amounts of the trace elements iron, zinc, manganese and copper, present in intact grain, endosperm, testa pericarp and embryo throughout the developmental period were recorded. Accumulation of iron and zinc in intact grain was extremely rapid, rising in the case of iron from 40 ng/grain to 1600 ng/grain between 5 and 40 days after anthesis. Manganese accumulated steadily throughout, reaching a final value of 475 ng/grain. Significant amounts of copper were present throughout and a small peak was observed at 38 days after anthesis. Some variation from this overall pattern was found in the different morphological parts as development proceeded. This was notable in the case of embryo manganese, which was undetectable until 45 days after anthesis, when levels rose dramatically to reach a steady maximum of around 100 ng/embryo. The results are discussed in relation to the biochemical events accompanying maturation.