CHANGES IN BARLEY ENDOSPERMS DURING EARLY STAGES OF GERMINATION

Abstract

Kernels of 4 barley cultivars were germinated at 18°C and samples were removed for analysis at short time intervals for the first 30 h and at longer intervals during the ensuing 90 h. α‐Amylase, (1 → 3) (1 → 4)‐β‐glucanase and (1 → 3) β‐glucanase activities were measured in each sample. Analysis of kernel sections stained with Calcofluor showed that hydrolysis of β‐glucan in the crushed cell layer commenced 6–9 h after the initiation of germination. Hydrolysis proceeded from the ventral edge to the dorsal edge of the kernel. Starch granule hydrolysis followed a similar pattern in the endosperm region adjacent to the crushed cell layer, but starch hydrolysis was always preceded by β‐glucan hydrolysis. 1994 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling