THE USE OF CHEMICAL-AGENTS TO OVERCOME DORMANCY IN MALTING BARLEY

Treatments were applied to dormant grains pre-drying, during dry storage and in the immediate pre-steep period. The effects on rates of recovery from dormancy were assessed. Only applications of sulphuric acid and gibberellic acid in the pre-drying period subsequently enhanced germination. No treatments applied during dry storage were beneficial. It appeared that oxygen was not needed during storage for grain maturation. Atmospheres of carbon dioxide applied during warm storage reduced subsequent germination but this gas was without effect on grain stored at ambient temperatures. Steeping grains in dilute solutions of mineral acids and some sulphur containing compounds improved their germinability.