| Abstract Detail
Rhythms MInorsky, Peter V. [1]. Solar-Terrestrial Effects on Bean Seed Imbibition. Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds display rhythms in imbibition (% weight gain after 4 h of imbibition) that have circa-weekly (Brown and Chow 1973; Biol Bull 145:265; Spruyt et al. 1987; Plant Physiol 84:707) or circa-fortnightly (Brown 1977; Biol Bull 152:311) periodicities. The original discoverers of these rhythms speculated that they might be related to the quarter phases of the 29-day lunar cycle. In solar-terrestrial physics, however, it is well known that indices such as sunspot number, surface magnetic field strength, cosmic radiation, etc., are strongly influenced by the 27.3-day solar rotation cycle and its subharmonics (13.65 days and 6.83 days). Since February 2007, I have been making daily measurements of bean seed water uptake, and confirm the existence of both circa-weekly and circa-fortnightly rhythms in bean seed imbibition. Preliminary data indicates a positive correlation (r = 0.60) between bean seed imbibition and the maximum solar wind speed 2 to 3 days prior to imbibition. From a geophysical perspective, the 2 to 3 day time lag and the fact that imbibition is correlated with the maximum solar wind speed suggests that periodicities in bean seed imbibition may be associated with changes in Earth's inner magnetosphere associated with the arrival of high-speed electron streams from the interplanetary plasma.
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1 - Mercy College, Division of Natural Sciences, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY, 10522, USA
Keywords:
rhythm
imbibition
solar-terrestrial.
Presentation Type: Plant Biology Abstract
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P30006
Abstract ID:1348 |
