WheatBP

Back to cerealsdbDevelopment Home Germination Early growth and tillering Stem elongation Wheat apex development Flowering and fertilisation Pollen release Grain growth 1 to 4 days Grain growth 4 to 10 days Cell layers inside a grain Grain filling 11 to 16 days Whole grain photographs Endosperm micrographs Embryo sac: wall changes Embryo micrographs
Grain filling 17 to 21 days Grain filling 21 to 30 days Development of the embryo Dry down 30 to 40 days How we grew the plants Photography and microscopy
DAYS = days after flowering

Grain filling 11 to 16 days

Endosperm micrographs

	Detail of a transverse section of one cheek of the grain at 11days after flowering. The aleurone layer, on the outside of the developing endosperm, is becoming recognizable. The transfer cells near the ventral groove have developed their characteristic shape.
	The same section viewed in polarized light shows the first starch grains at 11 days after flowering
	The endosperm is divided into compartments early in the grain filling stage. The compartments will later be packed with starch. The individual layers of the cuticle are not yet in contact. There is still room for the grain to expand as it fills with starch and protein. 15 days after flowering.
	The same section viewed in Darkfield shows starch grains in the endosperm. These are called type A starch grains.
	Transverse section of the whole grain as the endosperm starts rapid division, 11 days after flowering. The endosperm cells will continue to divide for about another six days. The exact length of time will depend on the growing conditions. The endosperm cells will pack with starch in the next stages of grain filling.
	The same section viewed in Darkfield shows the first starch grains in the endosperm.

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