158 



PASTORAL AND AGRICULTURAL BOTANY 



open, we find the embryo at one side with the rest of the interior filled 

 with starchy, or horny reserve food. Increase the starchy reserve food and 

 you increase the carbohydrate content of the grain. Increase the horny 



FIG. 68. Structure and germination of maize kernel, A, longitudinal section of 

 maize grain showing position of embryo and reserve food; B, top or flat side of kernel; 

 C, longitudinal section in early stages of germination; D, early stage of germination, 

 same view as in B; , later stage of germination when maize has become independent. 

 a, outer coat of fruit; b, scutellum; c, root [sheath or coleorrhiza; d, radicle; e, cotyledon; 

 /, plumule; g, horny reserve food; h, starchy reserve food; m, secondary roots. 



reserve f9d and the protein contents are increased. A large embryo, 

 or germ, indicates a kernel rich in oil (Fig. 67). In the germination of the 

 corn grain, the optimum temperature is 9iF. a maximum of ii4.8F. and 

 a mininum of 4iF. The primary root first projects then bursts through 



