CORN OR MAIZE 31 



kernel is placed in the ground, with conditions favorable for 

 growth, a root shoot called the hypocotyl rapidly pushes 

 downward into the soil. Soon two or three branches grow 

 out from the base of the hypocotyl. These are somewhat 

 smaller, and usually grow out laterally from the seed. These 

 roots with their branches form the temporary root system. 

 They make their growth largely from the food that is 

 stored up in the kernel, and their function is chiefly that 

 of supplying water to the young plant. While the tem- 

 porary roots are being formed, the plumule is pushing up 

 through the soil and finally unfolds its leaves above the 

 ground. About the time the leaves are unfolding, another 

 group of roots begins to grow from the lowest node of the 

 plumule, usually about one inch below the ground, al- 

 though if the soil is cloddy and dried out some distance 

 below the surface, the node forms deeper in the soil. 

 This, the permanent root system, is formed near the surface 

 of the ground, regardless of the depth of planting. Thus 

 we see that deep planting will not insure deep root system 

 as many are inclined to believe. The roots of the perma- 

 nent system grow out laterally for some distance before 

 turning downward. This system is not made up of a 

 great number of single roots, but rather is it a complex 

 group, since each root gives off many branches from which 

 in turn spring other branches, and so on until finally the 

 last branches are tiny rootlets. Most of the branches are 

 in the first 15 to 20 inches of the soil, and only a few are 

 sent down deep into the ground. The roots grow very 

 rapidly at first, more rapidly than does the plumule. 

 Hunt reports a plant only one-half inch high, with root 

 and branches measuring 8 inches in length, and one 3 

 inches high with root measuring 13 inches in length. So 

 rapidly do they grow that under favorable conditions the 



