Articles
RANUNCULUS ASIATICUS DRIED TUBERS ACCUMULATE WATER THROUGH THE PHYSICAL PROCESS OF IMBIBITION
Article number
886_3
Pages
35 – 38
Language
English
Abstract
Ranunculus asiaticus (L.) is a desiccation tolerant flowering plant grown commercially by its dried tuberous roots.
During post-harvest handling investigations of Ranunculus roots, there existed a need to quantify the rate of water uptake when the dried tuberous roots were submerged prior to planting (as per recommended practice). In our experiments tubers were submerged in distilled water at temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C and weighed hourly until a relatively constant weight was achieved.
Results indicate that water uptake begins immediately upon submersion and is most rapid during the first 12 hours.
This rate then leveled off, becoming relatively constant through remaining time points.
We therefore conclude Ranunculus asiaticus dried tubers take up water through the physical process of imbibition.
During post-harvest handling investigations of Ranunculus roots, there existed a need to quantify the rate of water uptake when the dried tuberous roots were submerged prior to planting (as per recommended practice). In our experiments tubers were submerged in distilled water at temperatures ranging from 5 to 35°C and weighed hourly until a relatively constant weight was achieved.
Results indicate that water uptake begins immediately upon submersion and is most rapid during the first 12 hours.
This rate then leveled off, becoming relatively constant through remaining time points.
We therefore conclude Ranunculus asiaticus dried tubers take up water through the physical process of imbibition.
Authors
C. Cerveny, W.B. Miller
Keywords
tuberous roots, Persian buttercup, moisture content
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