Effect of 1,3;1,6-β-D-glucan and the products of its enzymatic transformation on the formation of germs of buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Monch

The effect of laminaran and a number of 1,3;1,6-beta-D-glucooligosaccharides of various molecular masses and branching on germination of seeds and formation of germs of the Emerald variety of buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Monch. has been studied. It is shown that all the glucans enhance the energy of seed germination to various extents and stimulate the growth of the main root of buckwheat germs on the earliest stage (1-2 days). 1,3;1,6-beta-D-glucooligosaccharides with the molecular mass of 1661.5 Da, the characteristic feature of the structure of which is not only the presence of a great amount of beta-1,6-linked glucose residues as the branches (1,3: 1,6 = 3.7: 1), but also the presence of a beta-1,6-link inside their main chain, possess the best stimulating action.