PLANT PHYSIOLOGY , Vol 101, Issue 3 1107-1111, Copyright © 1993 by American Society of Plant Biologists
Electrotropism of Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots (Facts and Artifacts)
H. G. Stenz and M. H. Weisenseel
Botanisches Institut I, Universitat Karlsruhe (TH), Kaiserstrasse 12, 7500 Karlsruhe, Germany
Intact and decapped primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.) were exposed to DC
electric fields of 0.5 to 8.0 V/cm in low-salinity media to resolve
conflicting results about the direction of electrotropism. In DC fields of
0.5 V/cm or 1.0 V/cm, intact roots always curved toward the cathode. In a
field of 8.0 V/cm, intact roots curved toward the anode and stopped growth.
Decapped roots also curved toward the anode both in weak and strong fields.
The results indicate that growth toward the cathode is the true response of
healthy roots.
