A Non-Destructive Tracing with an X-ray Micro CT Scanner of Vascular Bundles in the Ear Axes at the Base of the Lower Level Rachis-Branches in Japonica Type Rice (Oryza sativa).

Abstract

The transverse images of vascular bundles in the axes of rice ears were traced by computed tomography using an X-ray micro CT scanner. This research was concentrated on the parts at the base of the lower levels of rachis-branches. The large vascular bundles were roundly arranged in the ear axes. The three kinds of vascular bundles were observed. First, a bundle separated into two bundles in the axis holding a round arrangement. Second, a bundle fused to the next one, deviated from the round arrangement, and was traced into the axis of a rachis-branch attached. Third, a bundle was traced to the periphery of ear axis without fusion to the next one and into a rachis-branch. The X-ray micro CT scanner could trace non-destructively the vascular bundles in the axes of rice ears and the rachis-branches.