Posted 11-29-00

To answer your question, Sci4Kids got in touch with Dr. Marty Sachs, a maize (corn) geneticist at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service's Plant Physiology and Genetics Research Unit in Urbana, Illinois.

Dr. Sachs writes:

"Assuming the popcorn seeds in question are viable, or healthy (most would be unless they are very old), they would germinate in moist sand and the seedling would grow for about two or three weeks.

However, without fertilization, once the seedling's kernel reserves (nutrients) are exhausted (gone), the seedling will weaken and eventually die. With proper amounts of fertilizer and enough light, the seedling could grow to a mature plant. On the other hand, if the sand is extremely dry, the popcorn seed would not germinate until the sand was moistened.

A viable popcorn seed has everything necessary to germinate and grow. The kernel supplies enough nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients for about two weeks of normal growth. All that is needed is some moisture to start things going."

-- Sci4Kids Staff and Marty Sachs, research plant geneticist, Plant Physiology and Genetics Research Unit, Urbana, Illinois.

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