Electrostatic sensitivity of the photo-receptive mechanism in germinating "Grand Rapids" lettuce seed.

Germination of "Grand Rapids" lettuce seed can be influenced by a 2-minute exposure to artificial electrostatic fields of 75 V cm(-I). To a limited extent, electrostatic treatment can substitute for red light by raising the dark germination level. Significant increases in germination, averaging up to 10%, were also observed following electrostatic treatment during, or after, short periods of red irradiation. In contrast, pre-irradiation treatment repressed germination slightly but significantly. An interaction with the phytochrome system is implied by the lack of any significant electrostatic influence after longer periods of red irradiation.