THE WHEAT PLANT 7 



sharply downward. These roots are branching fibers 

 which not only serve to hold the plant in position, 

 but also to gather from the soil moisture and food 

 materials which are later converted into plant and 

 grain. Few of us realize how extensive is the root 

 system of the wheat plant. Sometimes the roots 

 penetrate to depths of 4 to 7 feet, and the roots 

 of a single plant may, if laid end to end, measure 

 more than 1500 feet. 



The Stems.- -The stems are, by some, called 

 culms. They are short and not very noticeable 

 in the young plant. As the plant becomes older 

 and the root system well developed, the stems 

 rapidly lengthen and become hollow, jointed tubes. 

 The length of the stem differs with varieties, soils, 

 climate, and seasons. Common wheat usually 

 grows from three to four feet high. The color 

 is green while the stem is growing but changes to 

 yellowish at harvest time. 



As a rule each wheat seed produces several stems. 

 This is a desirable quality, for it makes possible a 

 large yield of grain for the amount of seed sown. 

 The method of growth which produces so many 

 stems is called tillering or stooling. Rich soil, 

 abundant moisture, early seeding, and thin stands 

 favor tillering. Sometimes fifty or more stems 

 spring from a single seed. In most fields, however, 

 the number is from four to eight. 



The stem is quite strong and rigid, and holds the 



