Factors Affecting Cotyledonal Cracking during the Germination of Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris).

Wlhile studying cotyledonal abnormality an unusual type of injury was observed in snap beans which had been carefully hand-picked and handshelled. The injury consisted of one or more transverse breaks which extended partially or completely across the cotyledon, severing the vascular elements, figure 1. Not only was the movement of materials into the seedling impeded by the breaks but the cotyledons remained swollen often preventing the shedding of the seed coat, figure 2. The fissures also provide a seat of infection for decay organisms.