Why does Vitamin C inhibit sprouting?

[Guest guest]

My daughter is conducting a science fair research project in which she is

testing the antioxidant ability of Vit. A,C, and E.

She is exposing radish seeds to free radicals (through hydrogen peroxide) and

then adding one antioxidant (either vit a, c, or e) and seeing if they will

still sprout.

The radish seeds in the Vitamin A mixture has really sprouted well over three

trials, but the Vitamin C seeds will not sprout at all.

We thought that maybe the level of Vitamin C was toxic so we decreased it to

75mg, but the seeds still are not sprouting AT ALL, over three trials.

Our control group is sprouting well and all other groups are doing fine. It is

strange that the Vitamin C is somehow inhibiting the sprouting and I was

wondering if anyone knows why, or has any ideas?

Any advice appreciated!