Geoelectric Effect and Geotropic Curvature

Abstract

A transverse electrical potential develops in many plant organs after they are reoriented from a vertical to a horizontal position. This phenomenon has been the basis for both a geoelectric hypothesis of geotropic curvature and its subsequent refutation. In both arguments a causal relation between the potential and curvature has been assumed. Curvature occurs in the absence of potential, as well as vice versa; it is concluded that both the hypothesis and its refutation are incorrect.