Electrical control of the growth of plant roots showing self-organized structures

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In this work, using adzuki been (Azukia angularis), we studied the relationship between the growth and the electric phenomenon. The present purposes are to understand basic phenomena about the growth under the electrical control, and to make clear the mechanism of the self-organized structure constructed from ion channels and pumps in the multi-cellular system. The following results were obtained :1) Using the multi-electrode measuring system, it was found that the oscillation of electric potential near the surface around the root appears coherent. The root growth is larger with the higher-frequency oscillation.2) The growth speed becomes higher by applying the DC electric field in the direction from the base to the top of the root. The reverse of the electric field makes the growth speed lower.3) The root bends to the side of the positive electrode with application of the DC electric field in the transverse direction. The bending tendency increases with increasing the electric field.These facts show that the growth control by the electric method may be possible by changing the electrochemical environment made by a plant itself.