Changes in the Zinc‐65 Distribution in Corn Root Tissue with a Phosphorus Variable¹

Abstract

A corn ( Zea mays L.) hybrid sensitive to a phosphoruszinc interaction was grown hydroponically in the greenhouse at several P levels in the presence of 65 Zn, to determine if P affected the distribution of Zn within the root and affected Zn movement into the cytoplasm. Lyophilized root tissue was serially extracted with chemical and enzyme extractants. High P was found to increase the amount of 65 Zn in the ethanol‐soluble fraction and pectate fraction of the cell wails. This binding of Zn to the cell wall may reduce the amount of Zn available for transport to the upper portions of the plant, resulting in Zn deficiency.