MICROCALORIMETRIC STUDIES ON GERMINATIONS OF CEREALS

Abstract

Experiments have been performed on seedlings of many species of cultivated plants with a new Tian-Calvet microcalorimeter installed at the University of Montreal. The characteristic elements of the curve of thermogenesis are first described on wheat germinations and their variations discussed in function of temperature, preliminary dehydration, substances in solution in the soaking liquid: salts, alcohol, auxins, etc. Then comparisons are made between germinative thermogeneses of oats, rye, barley, corn, flax, tomatoes, etc., showing the numerous possible applications of microcalorimetry in plant studies and agronomy.