Vibrating probe measurement of ionic currents around developing embryo of oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

ISSN： 1460-2431

Source： Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.48, Iss.314, 1997-09, pp. : 1647-1653

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Abstract

The current patterns around zygotic embryos of the oil palm embryo (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) were investigated. Ionic currents around the embryo were measured at different stages in its development using a two-dimensional vibrating probe system. The average current density was found to be in the order of 1-2 μA cm^-2. In the early developmental stage, the current was found entering the cotyledon and leaving the radicle. Both the magnitude and direction of this current changed when embryos at different developmental stages were observed. The currents were found to enter the region in the process of differentiation or elongation, and in some cases this could be the reverse of the current direction in the preceding stage. Within one of the stages of the embryos, current density was correlated with the rate of elongation. A very large inward current (up to 20 μ A cm^-2) was also detected at the point where the shoot was breaking through the surface. This was probably caused by the so-called 'injury current'. Keywords: Ionic currents, vibrating probe, oil palm embryo, E. guineensis, injury current.