Deuterium effect in the dielectric losses of wheat seeds

Summary

A detailed dielectric/gravimetric study within a frequency range from 10 kHz to 10MHz of intact H₂O- or D₂O-hydrated wheat seeds detects a clear isotopic effect in the dielectric dissipation. Using a Maxwell-Wagner analysis of these data, this dissipation peak can be attributed to protonic currents which are greatly enhanced by the absorbed water, in the hydration range where wheat germination occurs.