EXERCISE 58 



THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE BARLEY 

 PLANT 



Object. To study the germination of the barley kernel 

 and the early growth and development of the plant. 



Explanation. The kernel of barley is not like the kernel 

 of wheat, though it is somewhat similar. It is inclosed within 

 a hull. The hull adheres to the kernel as in oats, and with it 

 comprises the grain. The germ of the barley kernel occupies 

 a small place at one end of the kernel, as in wheat and oats. 



When the kernel of barley germinates, it usually sends out 

 five temporary roots. These five roots help supply the small 

 plant with food until the permanent root system develops. 



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

 weeks old, seeded one inch deep. 



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

 inches deep. 



Directions. Dig up a number of small barley plants for 

 this study. Observe the same precautions in preparing the 

 plants for study as were observed with wheat. (See Ex. 16.) 



Make a study of plants one week old, two weeks old, three 

 weeks old, and four weeks old, seeded one inch. Also make a 

 study of plants two weeks old and four weeks old, seeded 

 three inches. (In determining age of plant count time from 



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