Effect of Barbiturates on Rice Seedling Germination and Developmental Behaviour

Rice seedling germination and developmental behaviour were examined in the presence of six different barbituric acid derivatives. The relationship between liquid/aqueous partition coefficients of barbiturates and their interference with, but not complete inhibition of, normal mitochondria1 oxidative metabolism observed in animal mitochondria in vitro also appear to be factors influencing the effects of these compounds on the germination and developmental behaviour of the rice seedlings described in this investigation. Evidence is presented here which points to normal oxidative metabolism as being a necessary requisite for normal light response and normal morphogenetic development in germinating rice seedlings.