Anatomical Effects of Mechanical Damage on Caryopses of Cheat (Bromus secalinus)

Abstract

Wheat, and wheat research, is important to Oklahoma's economy. This study was conducted to provide data to support a proposed technique that is being developed for cheat control in wheat. The germination and viability of cheat caryopses are decreased due to the mechanical damage induced by a hammer mill and a roller mill. Physically, the florets exhibit small abrasions, cuts, and nicks. These damages appear to be the cause of the decrease in germination, but an anatomical study was required to determine the full extent of tile damage. The objective of this study was to describe the effects ofthe mills on the anatomy ofBromus secalillus caryopses. This was accomplished by fixing, dehydrating, infiltrating, embedding, and sectioning intact, mill-damaged, and buried milldamaged florets. Light microscopic observations of the sectioned florets were conducted to analyze the anatomical aspects of the damage on the caryopses.