Work

Promoting Germination of Freshly Harvested Barley Grain With Alkaline Solutions

Year: 1994

Type: article

Abstract: Effects of immersing freshly harvested barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grains in concentrated KOH and NaOH solutions on germination were studied in barley cv. Harrington. Promotion of germination up to 100% was achieved by alkaline treatments with a wide range of solution concentrations and immersion time. The effectiveness of alkaline treatments was dependent on maturity, presence of the hulls and moisture content of the grains. While alkaline treatments were generally not damaging to the grain, excessive exposure to the chemicals can harm the grains and adversely affect germination and subsequent growth of seedlings. Alkaline hydrolysis of the cuticles in the covering layers of the grain is at least partially responsible for the promotive effects on germination.

Source: Journal of the Institute of Brewing

DOI: 10.1002/j.2050-0416.1994.tb00841.x

Authors: J. Q. Hou, G. M. Simpson

Institution: University of Saskatchewan

Language: English

Topic: Seed Germination and Physiology

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,450