Within-Plant Distribution of Adult Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Corn and Its Implications on Stink Bug Sampling and Management in Corn

Brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has emerged as a significant pest of corn, Zea mays L., in the southeastern United States. A 2-year study was conducted to quantify the within-plant vertical distribution of adult E. servus in field corn, to examine potential plant phenological characteristics associated with their observed distribution, and to select an efficient partial plant sampling method for adult E. servus population estimation. Within-plant distribution of adult E. servus was influenced by corn phenology. On V4- and V6-stage corn, most of the individuals were found at the base of the plant. Mean relative vertical position of adult E. servus population in corn plants trended upward between the V6 and V14 growth stages. During the reproductive corn growth stages (R1, R2, and R4), a majority of the adult E. servus were concentrated around developing ears. Based on the multiple selection criteria, during V4-V6 corn growth stages, either the corn stalk below the lowest green leaf or basal stratum method could employ for efficient E. servus sampling. Similarly, on reproductive corn growth stages (R1-R4), the plant parts between two leaves above and three leaves below the primary ear leaf were found to be areas to provide the most precise and cost-efficient sampling method. The results from our study successfully demonstrate that in the early vegetative and reproductive stages of corn, scouts can replace the current labor-intensive whole-plant search method with a more efficient, specific partial plant sampling method for E. servus population estimation.

Sugar Transporters in Plants: New Insights and Discoveries

Carbohydrate partitioning is the process of carbon assimilation and distribution from source tissues, such as leaves, to sink tissues, such as stems, roots and seeds. Sucrose, the primary carbohydrate transported long distance in many plant species, is loaded into the phloem and unloaded into distal sink tissues. However, many factors, both genetic and environmental, influence sucrose metabolism and transport. Therefore, understanding the function and regulation of sugar transporters and sucrose metabolic enzymes is key to improving agriculture. In this review, we highlight recent findings that (i) address the path of phloem loading of sucrose in rice and maize leaves; (ii) discuss the phloem unloading pathways in stems and roots and the sugar transporters putatively involved; (iii) describe how heat and drought stress impact carbohydrate partitioning and phloem transport; (iv) shed light on how plant pathogens hijack sugar transporters to obtain carbohydrates for pathogen survival, and how the plant employs sugar transporters to defend against pathogens; and (v) discuss novel roles for sugar transporters in plant biology. These exciting discoveries and insights provide valuable knowledge that will ultimately help mitigate the impending societal challenges due to global climate change and a growing population by improving crop yield and enhancing renewable energy production.

In vivo transport of three radioactive [18F]-fluorinated deoxysucrose analogs by the maize sucrose transporter ZmSUT1

Sucrose transporter (SUT) proteins translocate sucrose across cell membranes; however, mechanistic aspects of sucrose binding by SUTs are not well resolved. Specific hydroxyl groups in sucrose participate in hydrogen bonding with SUT proteins. We previously reported that substituting a radioactive fluorine-18 [¹⁸F] at the C-6' position within the fructosyl moiety of sucrose did not affect sucrose transport by the maize (Zea mays) ZmSUT1 protein. To determine how ¹⁸F substitution of hydroxyl groups at two other positions within sucrose, the C-1' in the fructosyl moiety or the C-6 in the glucosyl moiety, impact sucrose transport, we synthesized 1'-[F¹⁸]fluoro-1'-deoxysucrose and 6-[F¹⁸]fluoro-6-deoxysucrose ([¹⁸F]FDS) analogs. Each [¹⁸F]FDS derivative was independently introduced into wild-type or sut1 mutant plants, which are defective in sucrose phloem loading. All three (1'-, 6'-, and 6-) [¹⁸F]FDS derivatives were efficiently and equally translocated, similarly to carbon-14 [¹⁴C]-labeled sucrose. Hence, individually replacing the hydroxyl groups at these positions within sucrose does not interfere with substrate recognition, binding, or membrane transport processes, and hydroxyl groups at these three positions are not essential for hydrogen bonding between sucrose and ZmSUT1. [¹⁸F]FDS imaging afforded several advantages compared to [¹⁴C]-sucrose detection. We calculated that 1'-[¹⁸F]FDS was transported at approximately a rate of 0.90 ± 0.15 m.h-1 in wild-type leaves, and at 0.68 ± 0.25 m.h-1 in sut1 mutant leaves. Collectively, our data indicated that [¹⁸F]FDS analogs are valuable tools to probe sucrose-SUT interactions and to monitor sucrose transport in plants.

Asymmetric transcriptomic signatures between the cob and florets in the maize ear under optimal- and low-nitrogen conditions at silking, and functional characterization of amino acid transporters ZmAAP4 and ZmVAAT3

Coordinated functioning of the cob and florets of the maize ear confers grain yield. The cob is critical for carbon partitioning and assimilated nitrogen (N) supply for grain development. However, molecular recognition of the cob and peripheral florets, characterization of genes mediating translocation of N assimilates, and responses of these two tissues to low N (LN) remain elusive. Transcriptional profiling of the ear of a maize hybrid at silking in the field revealed 1864 differentially expressed genes between the cob and florets, with 1314 genes up-regulated in the cob and 550 genes up-regulated in florets. The cob was characterized by striking enrichment of genes that are involved in carbon/N transport and metabolism, consistent with the physiological role of the cob in carbon/N storage and transfer during ear development. The florets were characterized by enrichment of hormone signalling components and development related genes. We next examined the response of the cob and florets to LN stress. LN caused differential expression of 588 genes in the cob and only 195 genes in the florets, indicating that the cob dominated the response of the ear to LN at the transcriptional level. LN caused comprehensive alterations such as carbon/N metabolism or partitioning, hormone signalling and protein phosphorylation in terms of gene expression in the cob and/or florets. Fourteen genes responsive specifically to LN provided potential molecular markers for N-efficient maize breeding. We further functionally characterized two newly identified broad-spectrum amino acid transporters, ZmAAP4 and ZmVAAT3, that showed distinct expression patterns in the cob and florets and potentially important roles in amino-N mobilization in the ear. While both proteins could transport various amino acids into yeast or Arabidopsis cells, ZmAAP4 appeared to have higher efficiencies than ZmVAAT3 in transporting seven out of 22 examined amino acids.

Radiosynthesis of 6'-Deoxy-6'[18F]Fluorosucrose via Automated Synthesis and Its Utility to Study In Vivo Sucrose Transport in Maize (Zea mays) Leaves

Sugars produced from photosynthesis in leaves are transported through the phloem tissues within veins and delivered to non-photosynthetic organs, such as roots, stems, flowers, and seeds, to support their growth and/or storage of carbohydrates. However, because the phloem is located internally within the veins, it is difficult to access and to study the dynamics of sugar transport. Radioactive tracers have been extensively used to study vascular transport in plants and have provided great insights into transport dynamics. To better study sucrose partitioning in vivo, a novel radioactive analog of sucrose was synthesized through a completely chemical synthesis route by substituting fluorine-18 (half-life 110 min) at the 6' position to generate 6'-deoxy-6'[(18)F]fluorosucrose ((18)FS). This radiotracer was then used to compare sucrose transport between wild-type maize plants and mutant plants lacking the Sucrose transporter1 (Sut1) gene, which has been shown to function in sucrose phloem loading. Our results demonstrate that (18)FS is transported in vivo, with the wild-type plants showing a greater rate of transport down the leaf blade than the sut1 mutant plants. A similar transport pattern was also observed for universally labeled [U-(14)C]sucrose ([U-(14)C]suc). Our findings support the proposed sucrose phloem loading function of the Sut1 gene in maize, and additionally demonstrate that the (18)FS analog is a valuable, new tool that offers imaging advantages over [U-(14)C]suc for studying phloem transport in plants.

Measurement of Bremsstrahlung radiation for in vivo monitoring of 14C tracer distribution between fruit and roots of kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) cuttings

In vivo measurements of (14)C tracer distribution have usually involved monitoring the β(-) particles produced as (14)C decays. These particles are only detectable over short distances, limiting the use of this technique to thin plant material. In the present experiments, X-ray detectors were used to monitor the Bremsstrahlung radiation emitted since β(-) particles were absorbed in plant tissues. Bremsstrahlung radiation is detectable through larger tissue depths. The aim of these experiments was to demonstrate the Bremsstrahlung method by monitoring in vivo tracer-labelled photosynthate partitioning in small kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.) plants in response to root pruning. A source shoot, consisting of four leaves, was pulse labelled with (14)CO(2). Detectors monitored import into a fruit and the root system, and export from a source leaf. Repeat pulse labelling enabled the comparison of pre- and post-treatment observations within an individual plant. Diurnal trends were observed in the distribution of tracer, with leaf export reduced at night. Tracer accumulated in the roots declined after approximately 48 h, which may have resulted from export of (14)C from the roots in carbon skeletons. Cutting off half the roots did not affect tracer distribution to the remaining half. Tracer distribution to the fruit was increased after root pruning, demonstrating the higher competitive strength of the fruit than the roots for carbohydrate supply. Increased partitioning to the fruit following root pruning has also been demonstrated in kiwifruit field trials.

The psychedelic genes of maize redundantly promote carbohydrate export from leaves

Whole-plant carbohydrate partitioning involves the assimilation of carbon in leaves and its translocation to nonphotosynthetic tissues. This process is fundamental to plant growth and development, but its regulation is poorly understood. To identify genes controlling carbohydrate partitioning, we isolated mutants that are defective in exporting fixed carbon from leaves. Here we describe psychedelic (psc), a new mutant of maize (Zea mays) that is perturbed in carbohydrate partitioning. psc mutants exhibit stable, discrete chlorotic and green regions within their leaves. psc chlorotic tissues hyperaccumulate starch and soluble sugars, while psc green tissues appear comparable to wild-type leaves. The psc chlorotic and green tissue boundaries are usually delineated by larger veins, suggesting that translocation of a mobile compound through the veins may influence the tissue phenotype. psc mutants display altered biomass partitioning, which is consistent with reduced carbohydrate export from leaves to developing tissues. We determined that the psc mutation is unlinked to previously characterized maize leaf carbohydrate hyperaccumulation mutants. Additionally, we found that the psc mutant phenotype is inherited as a recessive, duplicate-factor trait in some inbred lines. Genetic analyses with other maize mutants with variegated leaves and impaired carbohydrate partitioning suggest that Psc defines an independent pathway. Therefore, investigations into the psc mutation have uncovered two previously unknown genes that redundantly function to regulate carbohydrate partitioning in maize.

Tie-dyed1 encodes a novel, phloem-expressed transmembrane protein that functions in carbohydrate partitioning

Carbon is partitioned between export from the leaf and retention within the leaf, and this process is essential for all aspects of plant growth and development. In most plants, sucrose is loaded into the phloem of carbon-exporting leaves (sources), transported through the veins, and unloaded into carbon-importing tissues (sinks). We have taken a genetic approach to identify genes regulating carbon partitioning in maize (Zea mays). We identified a collection of mutants, called the tie-dyed (tdy) loci, that hyperaccumulate carbohydrates in regions of their leaves. To understand the molecular function of Tdy1, we cloned the gene. Tdy1 encodes a novel transmembrane protein present only in grasses, although two protein domains are conserved across angiosperms. We found that Tdy1 is expressed exclusively in phloem cells of both source and sink tissues, suggesting that Tdy1 may play a role in phloem loading and unloading processes. In addition, Tdy1 RNA accumulates in protophloem cells upon differentiation, suggesting that Tdy1 may function as soon as phloem cells become competent to transport assimilates. Monitoring the movement of a fluorescent, soluble dye showed that tdy1 leaves have retarded phloem loading. However, once the dye entered into the phloem, solute transport appeared equal in wild-type and tdy1 mutant plants, suggesting that tdy1 plants are not defective in phloem unloading. Therefore, even though Tdy1 RNA accumulates in source and sink tissues, we propose that TDY1 functions in carbon partitioning by promoting phloem loading. Possible roles for TDY1 are discussed.

Tie-dyed2 functions with tie-dyed1 to promote carbohydrate export from maize leaves

Regulation of carbon partitioning is essential for plant growth and development. To gain insight into genes controlling carbon allocation in leaves, we identified mutants that hyperaccumulate carbohydrates. tie-dyed2 (tdy2) is a recessive mutant of maize (Zea mays) with variegated, nonclonal, chlorotic leaf sectors containing excess starch and soluble sugars. Consistent with a defect in carbon export, we found that a by-product of functional chloroplasts, likely a sugar, induces tdy2 phenotypic expression. Based on the phenotypic similarities between tdy2 and two other maize mutants with leaf carbon accumulation defects, tdy1 and sucrose export defective1 (sxd1), we investigated whether Tdy2 functioned in the same pathway as Tdy1 or Sxd1. Cytological and genetic studies demonstrate that Tdy2 and Sxd1 function independently. However, in tdy1/+; tdy2/+ F(1) plants, we observed a moderate chlorotic sectored phenotype, suggesting that the two genes are dosage sensitive and have a related function. This type of genetic interaction is referred to as second site noncomplementation and has often, though not exclusively, been found in cases where the two encoded proteins physically interact. Moreover, tdy1; tdy2 double mutants display a synergistic interaction supporting this hypothesis. Additionally, we determined that cell walls of chlorotic leaf tissues in tdy mutants contain increased cellulose; thus, tdy mutants potentially represent enhanced feedstocks for biofuels production. From our phenotypic and genetic characterizations, we propose a model whereby TDY1 and TDY2 function together in a single genetic pathway, possibly in homo- and heteromeric complexes, to promote carbon export from leaves.

Tie-dyed1 and sucrose export defective1 act independently to promote carbohydrate export from maize leaves

tie-dyed1 (tdy1) and sucrose export defective1 (sxd1) are recessive maize (Zea mays) mutants with nonclonal chlorotic leaf sectors that hyperaccumulate starch and soluble sugars. In addition, both mutants display similar growth-related defects such as reduced plant height and inflorescence development due to the retention of carbohydrates in leaves. As tdy1 and sxd1 are the only variegated leaf mutants known to accumulate carbohydrates in any plant, we investigated whether Tdy1 and Sxd1 function in the same pathway. Using aniline blue staining for callose and transmission electron microscopy to inspect plasmodesmatal ultrastructure, we determined that tdy1 does not have any physical blockage or alteration along the symplastic transport pathway as found in sxd1 mutants. To test whether the two genes function in the same genetic pathway, we constructed F(2) families segregating both mutations. Double mutant plants showed an additive interaction for growth related phenotypes and soluble sugar accumulation, and expressed the leaf variegation pattern of both single mutants indicating that Tdy1 and Sxd1 act in separate genetic pathways. Although sxd1 mutants lack tocopherols, we determined that tdy1 mutants have wild-type tocopherol levels, indicating that Tdy1 does not function in the same biochemical pathway as Sxd1. From these and other data we conclude that Tdy1 and Sxd1 function independently to promote carbon export from leaves. Our genetic and cytological studies implicate Tdy1 functioning in veins, and a model discussing possible functions of TDY1 is presented.

tie-dyed1 Regulates carbohydrate accumulation in maize leaves

Acquisition of cell identity requires communication among neighboring cells. To dissect the genetic pathways regulating cell signaling in later leaf development, a screen was performed to identify mutants with chloroplast pigmentation sectors that violate cell lineage boundaries in maize (Zea mays) leaves. We have characterized a recessive mutant, tie-dyed1 (tdy1), which develops stable, nonclonal variegated yellow and green leaf sectors. Sector formation requires high light, occurs during a limited developmental time, and is restricted to leaf blade tissue. Yellow tdy1 sectors accumulate excessive soluble sugars and starch, whereas green sectors appear unaffected. Significantly, starch accumulation precedes chlorosis in cells that will become a yellow sector. Retention of carbohydrates in tdy1 leaves is associated with a delay in reproductive maturity, decreased stature, and reduced yield. To explain the tdy1 sectoring pattern, we propose a threshold model that incorporates the light requirement and the hyperaccumulation of photoassimilates. A possible function consistent with this model is that TDY1 acts as a sugar sensor to regulate an inducible sugar export pathway as leaves develop under high light conditions.

Tansley Review No. 27 The control of carbon partitioning in plants

This review reports on the processes associated with carbon transfer and metabolism in leaves and growing organs and the role of long-distance transport and vascular links in the regulation of carbon partitioning in plants. Partitioning is clearly influenced by both the supply and demand for photosynthate and is moderated by vascular connections and the storage capacity of the leaves and pathway tissues. However there appears to be little more than circumstantial evidence either that short distance transfer of carbon within either the source or the sink, or that long-distance transport in the phloem, are limiting photosynthesis or growth directly. Although individual biochemical and physiological processes relating to photosynthesis and growth may be well understood, the factors primarily responsible for the control of carbon partitioning in plants have not been clearly identified. There is a need for a greater understanding of organ initiation and development (source and sink formation and potential size), the clear identification of whether growth is sink or source limited (including possible sink-controlled photosynthesis) and a detailed assessment of the role of storage in buffering developmental and environmental changes in sink and source activity. Also more information is needed on the role of hormonal and nutritional factors in regulating source and sink activity (organ interactions not directly associated with carbon transfer). CONTENTS Summary 341 I. Introduction 342 II. General source-sink relationships 342 III. Control at the source 345 IV. The utilization of photosynthate: sink characteristics and limitations 353 V. Vascular constraints and temporary storage 360 VI. Concluding comments 366 Acknowledgements 366 References 367.

Biochemical aspect of photoassimilated carbon partitioning at late kernel fill in maize under climatic stress

The aim of this work was to describe the incorporation of 14CO2 into maize at the late kernel fill under chilling and the subsequent movement of the photoassimilated 14C out the fed ear leaf. Cool temperatures were observed to decrease the photosynthetic rate and to alter the operation of the carbon assimilation pathway with 14C accumulation in alpha-alanine. They were shown also to affect the rate of photoassimilated carbon out of the fed area, and especially by delaying the seed import processes.

Microautoradiographic studies of phloem loading and transport in the leaf of Zea mays L

Microautoradiographs showed that [(14)C]sucrose taken up in the xylem of small and intermediate (longitudinal) vascular bundles of Zea mays leaf strips was quickly accumulated by vascular parenchyma cells abutting the vessels. The first sieve tubes to exhibit (14)C-labeling during the [(14)C]sucrose experiments were thick-walled sieve tubes contiguous to the more heavily labeled vascular parenchyma cells. (These two cell types typically have numerous plasmodesmatal connections.) With increasing [(14)C]sucrose feeding periods, greater proportions of thick- and thin-walled sieve tubes became labeled, but few of the labeled thin-walled sieve tubes were associated with labeled companion cells. (Only the thin-walled sieve tubes are associated with companion cells.) When portions of leaf strips were exposed to (14)CO2 for 5 min, the vascular parenchyma cells-regardless of their location in relation to the vessels or sieve tubes-were the most consistently labeled cells of small and intermediate bundles, and label ((14)C-photosynthate) appeared in a greater proportion of thin-walled sieve tubes than thick-walled sieve tubes. After a 5-min chase with (12)CO2, the thin-walled sieve tubes were more heavily labeled than any other cell type of the leaf. After a 10-min chase with (12)CO2, the thin-walled sieve tubes were even more heavily labeled. The companion cells generally were less heavily labeled than their associated thin-walled sieve tubes. Although all of the thick-walled sieve tubes were labeled in portions of leaf strips fed (14)CO2 for 5 min and given a 10-min (12)CO2 chase, only five of 72 vascular bundles below the (14)CO2-exposed portions contained labeled thick-walled sieve tubes. Moreover, the few labeled thick-walledsieve tubes of the "transport region" always abutted (14)C-labeled vascular parenchyma cells. The results of this study indicate that (1) the vascular parenchyma cells are able to retrieve at least sucrose from the vessels and transfer it to the thick-walled sieve tubes, (2) the thick-walled sieve tubes are not involved in long-distance transport, and (3) the thin-walled sieve tubes are capable themselves of accumulating sucrose and photosynthates from the apoplast, without the companion cells serving as intermediary cells.

(14)C fixation, metabolic labeling patterns, and translocation profiles during leaf development in Populus deltoides

The incorporation of photosynthetically fixed (14)CO2 and the distribution of (14)C among the main chemical constituents of laminae and petioles were examined in cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh.) leaves ranging in age from Leaf Plastochron Index (LPI) 3 (about one-quarter to one-third expanded) to LPI 30 (beginning of senescence). In addition, carbon flow among chemical fractions and translocation from leaves of LPI 7 and 14 were examined periodically up to 24 h after labeling. Specific activity of (14)C (on dry-weight basis) increased in developing laminae to full leaf expansion, decreased in the mature leaves to LPI 16, then remained constant to LPI 30. In developing leaves (LPI 3-5), after 2 h, most of the (14)C was found in protein, pigments, lipids, and other structural and metabolic components necessary for cell development; only 28% was in the sugar fraction of the lamina. In fully expanded leaves (LPI 6-8), after 2 h, the sugar fraction contained 50-60% and about 90% of fixed (14)C in the lamina and the petiole, respectively. In a pulsechase "kinetic series" with recently mature leaves, 60% of the (14)C was found in the sugar fraction after 15 min of (14)CO2 fixation. Over the 24-h translocation period, (14)C decreased in sugars to 23% and increased in the combined residue fraction (protein, starch, and structural carbohydrates) to about 60% of the total activity left in the lamina. Within 24 h after labeling, the turnover of (14)C-organic acids,-sugar, and-amino acids (either metabolzed or translocated from the leaf) was 30, 70 and 80%, respectively, of that initially incorporated into these fractions by a leaf at LPI 7 (turnover was 55% of (14)C-organic acids, 80% of (14)C-sugar, and 95% of (14)C-amino acids at LPI 14). Anatomical maturity in cottonwood leaves is closely correlated with physiological maturity and with production of translocatable sugar.

Leaf structure in relation to solute transport and phloem loading in Zea mays L

Small and intermediate (longitudinal) vascular bundles of the Zea mays leaf are surrounded by chlorenchymatous bundle sheaths and consist of one or two vessels, variable numbers of vascular parenchyma cells, and two or more sieve tubes some of which are associated with companion cells. Sieve tubes not associated with companion cells have relatively thick walls and commonly are in direct contact with the vessels. The thick-walled sieve tubes have abundant cytoplasmic connections with contiguous vascular parenchyma cells; in contrast, connections between vascular parenchyma cells and thin-walled sieve tubes are rare. Connections are abundant, however, between the thin-walled sieve tubes and their companion cells; the latter have few connections with the vascular parenchyma cells. Plasmolytic studies on leaves of plants taken directly from lighted growth chambers gave osmotic potential values of about-18 bars for the companion cells and thin-walled sieve tubes (the companion cell-sieve tube complexes) and about-11 bars for the vascular parenchyma cells. Judging from the distribution of connections between various cell types of the vascular bundles and from the osmotic potential values of those cell types, it appears that sugar is actively accumulated from the apoplast by the companion cell-sieve tube complex, probably across the plasmalemma of the companion cell. The thick-walled sieve tubes, with their close spatial association with the vessels and possession of plasmalemma tubules, may play a role in retrieval of solutes entering the leaf apoplast in the transpiration stream. The transverse veins have chlorenchymatous bundle sheaths and commonly contain a single vessel and sieve tube. Parenchymatic elements may or may not be present. Like the thick-walled sieve tubes of the longitudinal bundles, the sieve tubes of the transverse veins have plasmalemma tubules, indicating that they too may play a role in retrieval of solutes entering the leaf apoplast in the transpiration stream.

Leaf structure and translocation of dry matter in a C3 and a C 4 grass

Dry weight analyses and (14)CO2 were used to study translocation in leaves of the C3 grass Lolium temulentum L. and the C4 grass Panicum maximum Jacq. and the results related to the distribution and amount of phloem in the lamina. The rate of specific mass transfer rose from the tips to the bases of leaf blades, in both species high rates were recorded. Major veins were responsible for the bulk of longitudinal translocation and minor veins were important in collecting and loading photosynthate. Transverse veins stored (14)C-assimilate and may have coordinated the functioning of the longitudinal veins. The bearing of the results on the mechanism of translocation is discussed.

The use of compartmental analysis in the study of the movement of carbon through leaves

The export of (14)C from leaves of Lycopersion esculentum (Mill.), Capsicum frutescens (L.) and Amaranthus caudatus (L.) was followed by in vivo counting after exposure of the leaf to a 5 min pulse of (14)CO2. In all instances the time course of export showed two or more exponential phases. There was an initial rapid period of export which was followed by a slower phase after about 2 h. About 12-14 h after exposure to (14)CO2 this second phase was superseded by an even slower phase of export which continued for more than 24 h. In tomatoes the initial phase was most rapid in plants bearing fruit which had been heated to 30°C instead of the standard 15-20°C; it was slowest when the fruit were removed. In Amaranthus the rate of the initial phase was shown to be positively correlated with photosynthesis and when the latter was prevented by either darkness or the absence of CO2 the rate of loss of (14)C was reduced. The data were used to test a model of carbon movement from a leaf which postulated the presence of two carbon pools which turned-over at different rates. The photosynthetic carbon entered the pool with the faster rate of turn-over-the 'labile' pool-and exchanged with the other, 'storage', pool. Export from the leaf was from the 'labile' pool. The results suggested that a third, longer term, storage pool should be included in the model and that the exchange between the pools should be non-linear.

A comparative study of translocation of assimilated(14)C from leaves of different species

Translocation of assimilated(14)C from the leaves of different species varied both in the rate of export and in the total percentage moved out. Those species which are known to have high photosynthetic rates, such as the tropical grasses sorghum and millet, exported 70% or more of the assimilated(14)C during the first 6 h after assimilation, compared to values of 45 to 50% for tomato, castor bean,Nicotiana affinis and soybean.The compounds in which the(14)C was retained in the leaves varied from species to species. Except for castor bean only small amounts were retained in sucrose, with generally much higher amounts in fructose, glucose and malic acid. Most of the(14)C was retained in the ethanol-insoluble fraction.