On the effect of temperature on the pistil in rape plant : Electric potential of the pistl

Abstract

We had previously reported on the electric potential differences in the pistil of rape under ordinary temperatures. In the present report, the effects of a low temperature (3°C) and a high temperature (30°C) on it were concerned. (a) At the low temperature : At 3rd stage of flowering, the highest potential of about 90 mV. was observed at the stigma. At other flowering stages, it was found to drop gradually towards the base along the style. At 7th stage of flowering, the potenial of the style decreased very sharply. showing about 6mV. at the middle part of it.(b) High temperature : At the whole stage, the potential of the style was lower with some irregularity as shown in Fig.1. From physiological viewpoints, the pistil of rape was thonght not to be affected by low temperature (3°C) but affected by high temperature (30°C). It may by suggested, therefore. there should be some relation between the physiological mechanism of the pistil and electrical potential of it.