Changes in the Response to Gibberellic Acid of Barley Endosperm Slices During Storage

Endosperm slices representative of freshly harvested as compared with stored barleys produce relatively little α-amylase when treated with gibberellic acid (GA). The response is improved by suitable storage, by heating or by procedures which increase oxygen supply to the aleurone cells. No difference could be detected in the response to GA of the dehusked corns of the two types of barley. It appeared that the outer coverings of the freshly harvested barley restrict the permeability to oxygen to a greater extent than those of stored barley, possibly because of higher microbial activity.