EXERCISE 16 

 THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHEAT PLANT 



Object. To study the germination of the wheat kernel 

 and the early growth and development of the plant. 



Explanation. The kernel of wheat incloses a living 

 plant in the dormant stage. The germ is the living part of 

 the kernel from which the shoot and roots develop. When 

 the kernel or seed is placed in the soil under proper condi- 

 tions of moisture and temperature, it absorbs moisture and 

 begins to grow. The food for the young plantlet is furnished 

 by the endosperm. 



When the kernel of wheat germinates, it sends out three 

 temporary roots. As the plant continues to grow it sends 

 out permanent roots. The depth at which the permanent 

 roots occur depends upon the condition of the soil. If the 

 wheat is seeded at a medium depth, the temporary and per- 

 manent root systems will develop at about the same place. 

 If the wheat is seeded very deeply, the permanent roots will 

 develop above the temporary roots and near the surface of 

 the soil. 



Equipment. 1. Plants of wheat one, two, three, and four 

 weeks old, seeded one inch deep. 



2. Plants of wheat two and four weeks old, seeded three 

 inches deep. 



