Translocation and Remobilization of 14c Assimilated At Different Stages by Each Leaf of the Wheat Plant

Abstract

The movement of 14C assimilated by each leaf of the wheat plant was studied at successive stages of development from sowing to maturity. At each occasion assimilate moved to all parts of the plant but was translocated preferentially to the sink closest to the assimilating leaf. The function of supplying the developing leaves passed successively from expanded leaf to expanded leaf as the plant grew. Apart from this temporary phase of supplying the developing leaves, each exporting leaf fed in a specific direction with the lower leaves exporting downwards to the tillers and roots, and the upper leaves supplying the stem and ear. The tillers in this study never became completely independent from the main stem and, during the later stages of growth, a significant amount of 14C moved from the lower leaves of the main stem and was incorporated in the tiller ears.