EN
The β-endoglucanase is one of the enzymes taking part in the degradation of the cell wall structural polysaccharides. The use of two Triticale varieties differing in their resistance to the preharvest sprouting allowed the comparison of that enzyme activity and changes in the internal structure of the cell wall observed in the light and electron microscope. The most interesting observations seem to be the channels and even the holes in the walls of aleurone cells found mostly in the samples showing the elevated activities of β-endoglucanase. As those samples concern the grains of a lower resistance to pre-harvest sprouting, it might be suggested that the loosening of the wall structure may be one of the probable mechanisms in facilitating the enzyme, metabolite and water translocations through the grain tissues. Those changes can accelerate the water imput into the grain, the metabolic process and thus the increased susceptibility to sprouting.