6. Electrical potentials.

 

Earlier reports from Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, and recent evidence from the University of Florida suggest that electrical potential is correlated positively with general plant vigor. There is another correlation which has been consistent throughout a large nunber of electrical potential deteminations. The following data indicate a correlation between the measurable electrical potential in maize seed and the original moisture content of the seeds prior to the soaking period required by the usual measuring techniques. Table I presents potential readings obtained in 1947 on seed from several lines of the inbred maize line, Early Butler. Determinations for relative content of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were made through a cooperative program with the Eastern States Farmers' Exchange and protein and moisture determinations were made on samples of seed from the same plants used in the N P K analyses. A positive correlation between moisture oontent and potential reading is evident (r= 898*)           *significant at 5% level.

 

Table I

 

Early Butler Line

Averaged
Potential Reading

% Moisture

Protein

N

K

P

172‑A26

31.7

8.90

12.70

0

2

2

172‑A29

25.3

8.50

13.10

3

1

3

172‑A52

25.2

8.30

12.90

0

0

3

172‑A43

19.3

8.45

11.95

0

0

2

172‑A42

12.7

8.15

11.80

2

1

4

172A‑3

8.3

8.10

14.40

3

2

2

 

Other tests of seed from ears on which several different pollen sources (marked by endosperm color Y/y and carbohydrate content Su/su factors) were used showed a tendency for the field corn or starchy crosses to have relatively higher electrical potential readings than the sweet corn or sugary crosses. No indication of maternal inheritance was obtained as might be expected if electrical potentials were primary in the maize plant's growth and development. Moisture content tended to be higher in the starchy kernels, and hence, again correlated to potentials.

 

Electric potential has been shown in previous publications to be associated with a favorable, vigorous germ plasm. The indication of a second positive correlation with moisture content presented here links seed potential to plant development via the moisture content. Interpretation of electrical potential as a primary force in plant pattern formation may thus be altered to present such potentials as secondary or caused by‑products of cellular activity. This does not necessarily mean that potential measurements are no longer considered as indicative of basic differences between one maize seed of high potential and another of relatively low potential. However, it does seem essential that initial water content be taken into consideration in interpreting electrical potential variations in lines of maize.

 

H. L. Everett