Ear (botany)
Anearis thegrain-bearing tip part of thestemof acerealplant, such aswheatormaize(corn).[1]It can also refer to "a prominent lobe in some leaves."[2]
The ear is aspike,consisting of a central stem on which tightly packed rows offlowersgrow. These develop intofruitscontaining the edibleseeds.In corn (maize), an ear is protected by leaves calledhusks.[3]Inside an ear of corn is acorncob.
In some species (including wheat), unripeears contribute significantly to photosynthesis, in addition to theleaveslower down the plant.
A parasite known asAnguina tritici(ear cockle) specifically affects the ears on wheat and rye by destroying the tissues and stems during growth. The parasite has been eradicated in most countries (with the exception of North Africa and West Asia) by using the crop rotationsystem.[4]
References[edit]
- ^Jackson, Benjamin Daydon (1928).A Glossary of Botanic Terms with their Derivation and Accent(fourth ed.). London: Gerald Duckworth & Co. Ltd. p.121.
- ^Swartz, Delbert (1971).Collegiate Dictionary of Botany.New York: The Ronald Press Company. p. 162.
- ^Lerner, Rosie."Corn - Ears".Senior Study Vegetables.Purdue University.Retrieved2012-05-24.
- ^ "Ear Cockle Disease of Wheat".Agrihunt.Retrieved24 May2012.
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