Relationship of Glucose Metabolism to Germinability and Vigor in Barley and Wheat Seeds¹

Abstract

Changes in glucose metabolism of germinating barley ( Hordeum vulgate , L.) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.) were determined by following the rate of utilization of uniformly labeled glucose for respiration, and synthesis of proteins and polysaccharides (watersoluble sugars, starch‐hemicelluloses, and cellulose). Small changes in seed germinability or vigor induced by aging, led to a great reduction in glucose utilization as expressed by a reduction in protein and polysaccharide synthesis. The reduction in synthetic capacity greatly preceded any reduction in germination, shoot growth, or respiration. Besides its ability to detect very early changes in seed germinability or vigor, the glucose‐utilization approach offers a powerful tool for distinguishing dormant from dead seeds on the basis of the great difference in glucose metabolism in the two types of seed.