THE EFFECT OF CHILLING STRESS DURATION ON INJURY TO MILLET SEEDLINGS

The changes in exosmosis of electrolytes, rate of lipid peroxidation, intracellular pH, and growth were induced by chilling at 2-degrees-C for time periods of 0.5 - 24 h in 9-day-old millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) seedlings of cv. Saratovskoe 2 (less cold-resistant) and cv. Bystroe (more cold-resistant). In comparison with untreated plants, the chilling progressively enhanced exosmosis and lipid peroxidation, decreased intracellular pH, and reduced the height and weight of plants as well as the surface area of leaves. The observed changes depended on cultivar cold resistance and on the duration of chilling. A chilling-induced sequence of events leading to plant injury was outlined.