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 f or 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. Bystro e (more cold-resistant). In comparison with untreated plants, the chil ling progressively enhanced exosmosis and lipid peroxidation, decrease d intracellular pH, and reduced the height and weight of plants as wel l as the surface area of leaves. The observed changes depended on cult ivar cold resistance and on the duration of chilling. A chilling-induc ed sequence of events leading to plant injury was outlined.