Maize Grain Germination Is Accompanied by Acidification of the Environment

Seed germination is a complex process involving several stages, starting with the imbibition of water and ending emergence radicle. In current study, we address observation an unexpected pH shift during maize grains. We used direct measurements soak water, indicator methyl red, anatomical analysis to shed light on acidification associated (Zea mays L.) germination, largely overlooked phenomenon. Our work shows that grains two-step process: (i) early, rapid (pH values up 4.4), in which protons stored (dead) pericarp/testa are mobilised rapidly diffuse into surrounding medium, (ii) late, delayed just below 6), hours after contact representing active transport caused by living cells seed. discuss physiological mechanisms ecological relevance environmental grain germination.