Showing papers in "Physiologia Plantarum in 1978"

The Effect of Activated Charcoal on Tissue Cultures: Adsorption of Metabolites Inhibiting Morphogenesis

Abstract: Cell suspensions of Daucus carota and Haplopappus gracilis and callus suspensions of Allum cepa var. proliferum were grown in media with and without activated charcoal. Differentiation occurred in those Daucus and Allium cultures that contained charcoal. It was shown by mass spectrometry that the media without charcoal contained high amounts of phenylacetic acid and p-OH-benzoic acid (Daucus), 2,6-OH-benzoic acid (Allium) and benzoic acid, pelargonic acid and caprylic acid (Haplopappus), whereas the media with activated charcoal did not. It was also shown that p-OH-benzoic acid had inhibitory effects on the embryogenesis in Daucus cultures.

The Influence of Photoperiod and Temperature on the Development of Frost Hardiness in Seedlings of Pinus silvestris and Picea abies

Abstract: The influence of short days and low temperature on the development of frost hardiness in seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.], grown for 6 months in glasshouses and climate chambers, was investigated. The degree of hardiness was estimated by freezing the shoots of the seedlings to predetermined temperatures. After 8 weeks in a glasshouse the viability of the seedlings was determined by establishing bud flushing. The most effective climate for the development of frost hardiness was short days (SD) and low temperature (2°C); the next most effective was SD and room temperature (20°C). However, long days (LD) and low temperature also had a marked effect on the development of hardiness. A combination of 3 weeks’treatment with SD and 20°C, and 3 weeks with SD and 2°C gave the same results as 6 weeks with SD and 2°C. The results clearly demonstrate the importance of the photoperiod prior to low temperature for the development of frost hardiness. In conclusion both short days and low temperature induce frost hardiness development. Probably this occurs by initiation of different processes in the two cases. The degree of frost hardiness development appears to depend on the sum of these different processes and on the timing between them.

Control of Chlorophyll Degradation in Detached Leaves of Barley and Oat through Effect of Kinetin on Chlorophyllase Levels

Abstract: Chlorophyllase seems to be responsible for the degradation of chlorophyll during senescence of detached leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and oat (Avena sativa). Treatment at temperatures higher than 40°C — which protects against chlorophyll loss — lowers the level of chlorophyllase. Kinetin treatment lowers the level of chlorophyllase in barley leaves and prevents its rise in oat leaves after their detachment. Synthesis of proteins in both cytoplasm and chloroplast seems to be required in order to maintain a high level of Chlorophyllase in barley leaves after detachment.

Regeneration of Mesophyll Protoplasts Isolated from Dihaploid Clones of Solanum tuberosum

Abstract: Protoplasts have been isolated from leaves of shoot cultures of six dihaploid clones of Solanum tuberosum L. (2n = 2x = 24). In the KM medium (Kao and Michayluk 1975), sustained cell divisions were obtained in up to 50% of the plated protoplasts of four clones, whereas only a few divisions occurred in the other two clones. The first mitosis appeared 2–8 days after plating, dependent on the clones. In the clones showing sustained cell divisions, a protoplast titre of about 5 × 103 per ml turned out to be optimal. The culture conditions for protoplasts of one of the poorly growing clones, clone H2 140, have been improved using modified KM media, plating at a concentration of as high as 5 × 104 cells per ml, and subsequent diluting at intervals 5 days. The dilutions were carried out with media containing 0.25% agar. Up to 60% of the plated protoplasts underwent divisions within 10 days under these conditions. After about 15 days, the regenerants were transferred onto media inducing organogenesis. Shoots and roots were formed on modified media MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) and B5 (Gamborg et al. 1968). Plants have been regenerated in four of the investigated clones. Countings of chromosomes revealed a satisfactory stability of the karyotype in shoot culture and protoplast regeneration.

Effects of Water Stress on Cuticular Transpiration Rate and Amount and Composition of Epicuticular Wax in Seedlings of Six Oat Varieties

Abstract: Six varieties of oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Stormogul II, Risto, Sol II, Selma, Sang and Pendek, arranged according to decreasing drought resistance) were cultivated under controlled conditions and exposed to water stress on 4 consecutive days. Seven-day-old seedlings were stressed by cooling the roots for 3 h to 1.0°C. During this treatment the leaf water potential decreased from -7 to -12 bars. Cuticular transpiration rate, total amount of epicuticular wax and amounts of some wax components (primary alcohols, alkanes, fatty acids) were determined. Unstressed seedlings of the most drought resistant variety (Stormogul II) showed the highest cuticular transpiration rate. After stress treatment the cuticular transpiration rate was most strongly reduced in this variety and at the same time it showed the largest increase in amount of epicuticular wax of the tested varieties. In Pendek and Sang, showing the least increase in epicuticular wax, the cuticular transpiration rate was only 5% lower after stress treatment. In all varieties the primary alcohol content of the epicuticular wax was slightly higher in stressed seedlings than in controls. Further, in Stormogul and Risto the content of the predominant alkanes was much lower in stressed seedlings than in controls. On the contrary, in Pendek the stressed seedlings showed a higher alkane content. In Stormogul II, Risto and Sol II the total amount of fatty acids was higher in stressed seedlings than in controls while the opposite was true in Sang. The relation between the epicuticular wax (amount and composition) and the cuticular transpiration rate is discussed as well as the possibility of using the tested parameters in a screening test for drought resistance.

Nitrogenase Activity Measurements in Intact Plants of Alnus incana

Abstract: A technique for C2H2-reduction assay on intact plants of Alnus incana (L.) Moench was evaluated. Cloned plants were grown, in pots, on fine gravel. During assay only the pot was inserted into a Perspex incubation chamber of simple construction. The incubation volume was rather small, plants with various shoot heights could be used, and the shoot was not exposed to the C2H4 produced. Intact plants showed high and constant C2H2-reduction rates during several hours of incubation. In comparison, excised nodulated roots conventionally incubated in test tubes showed low and decreasing rates, due to removal of the photo-synthesizing shoot and injury to the root nodules when drawn from the pot. Repeated nitrogenase activity assays on the same intact individual plants did not affect growth. The technique thus proved useful in studies. where repeated nitrogenase activity measurements are important.

Effects of Nutrients and Light on Growth and Root Formation in Pisum sativum Cuttings

Abstract: Cuttings obtained from seedlings of Pisum sativum L. were rooted in water solution. Shoot growth continued after excision and shoot length increased considerably before roots emerged. Increase in dry weight was strongly dependent on light supply. Continued growth was dependent on supply of mineral nutrients to the rooting solution. Mineral nutrients had no or slight influence on the number of roots formed on cuttings from stock plants grown in fertilized soil, but the growth in length of the roots was dependent on the presence of calcium in the solution. Root formation was dependent on photosynthetic products formed after excision. No roots were formed on cuttings kept in the dark. The number of roots increased with increasing irradiance given to the leafy part of the cutting. At a low level of irradiance sucrose supply through the rooting medium increased the number of roots. Light given to the basal part of the cuttings had a strongly inhibitory effect on the number of roots formed. It is concluded that the carbohydrate level easily becomes a limiting factor for root formation in growing pea cuttings. Availability of mineral nutrients influences in the first place the growth of the shoots.

The Effect of Cadmium on Net Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Dark Respiration of Excised Silver Maple Leaves

Abstract: Excised leaves of silver maple (Acer saccharinum L.) exposed to 0, 0.045, 0.090, or 0.180 mM Cd24 exhibited reduced net photosynthesis and transpiration, and increased dark respiration. Rates of net photosynthesis and transpiration diminished with time and were strongly correlated with solution concentration and tissue content of Cd24, Net photosynthesis and transpiration were reduced to 18 and 21%, respectively, of the untreated controls after 64 h. Dark respiration increased as much as 193% of the untreated controls but was poorly correlated with solution concentration or tissue content of Cd24, Diffusive resistances of leaves to carbon dioxide and water vapor transfer increased with both increasing Cd24 concentration and time. These findings are discussed in relation to stomatal function.

Adaptation of the Photosynthetic Apparatus of Scenedesmus obliquus to Strong and Weak Light Conditions

Abstract: Homocontinuous cultures of the unicellular green alga Scenedesmus obliquus were grown under strong (28 W/m2∼28,000 lux) and weak (5 W/m2∼5000 lux) light conditions to simulate the conditions of ‘sun’ and ‘shade’ plants. As in higher plants the cells adapted to strong light had less chlorophyll but demonstrated a higher photosynthetic capacity and a higher respiration rate, so that their compensation point was reached at three times higher energy than in the cells grown under low light intensities. The CO2 fixation rate and the RuDP carboxylase activity under saturating light intensities were both higher in the cells grown in strong light. In spite of the differences in the pigment content and in the light saturated photosynthetic capacities for both cultures, the quantum yields of photosynthetic oxygen evolution were equal. As documented for some species of higher plants Scenedesmus is not genetically determined to be either a ‘sun’ or ‘shade’ organism but can adapt its photosynthetic apparatus to the different light intensities.

Somatic Hybridization of Nitrate Reductase Deficient Mutants of Nicotiana tabacum by Protoplast Fusion

Abstract: Protoplasts were isolated from two mutant cell lines of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Gatersleben and fused with the aid of polyethylene glycol. Both mutants lacked nitrate reductase and were thus auxotrophic for reduced nitrogen. The fusion resulted in a high frequency of hybrid cells which were detected by their regained ability to grow in media containing nitrate as sole nitrogen source. Thus, the two mutants were found to complement each other in the hybrids. In control experiments, back mutation and cross-feeding were excluded as possible explanations for the occurrence of cell lines utilizing nitrate. A total of 1061 hybrid lines capable of sustained proliferation were isolated. Some of them were further characterized with respect to nitrate reductase activity, chlorate sensitivity, chromosome number, and shoot formation. The results demonstrate that protoplast fusion can be used for the genetic analysis of cell variants of higher plants and that nitrate reductase-deficient mutants provide efficient selective systems for hybrid cells.

Seasonal Changes in Water Potential and Turgor Maintenance in Sorghum and Maize under Water Stress

Abstract: Leaf water (Ψ) and solute (ψ) potential were measured in field sorghum and maize under well irrigated (I) and dryland (NI) conditions throughout a season. Despite decreases in ψ due to slow soil water depletion and to apparent increases in liquid phase plant resistance, midday leaf turgor (ψp) in the NI sorghum was maintained at similar levels as in the I treatment throughout the season due to concomitant decreases in ψs. Osmotic adjustment was also observed in maize, although ψp was significantly lower in the NI treatment as compared to I during the final stages of grain filling. A seasonal shift in the ψ vs. relative water content relation of NI sorghum leaves was observed, more water being retained by the older leaf at any particular ψ. The major factor for turgor maintenance was a net increase in solutes per unit of tissue. The role played by increases in the proportion of tissue volume occupied by cell wall was also evaluated. No stomatal closure due to water stress was found in NI sorghum even though leaf ψ reached —20 bars late in the season. Under similar conditions, stomata closed at —14 to —16 bars in younger plants where water stress was made to develop much faster.

Effects of Water Stress and Hardening on the Internal Water Relations and Osmotic Constituents of Cotton Leaves

Abstract: Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that the internal water relations of leaves are altered when cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L.‘Acala SJ-2′) are conditioned by several cycles of water stress. Preliminary experiments suggested that plants so conditioned are less sensitive to water deficits and that the change might be partly explained by an accumulation of solutes or by structural alterations attendant on development under conditions of water stress. Leaves of preconditioned plants maintained turgor to lower values of water potential than did leaves of well-watered plants. Accompanying this change was a lower osmotic potential at any given leaf water content in preconditioned plants. Tissue analysis of several osmotically active solutes indicated that soluble sugars and malate accumulate to about the same levels (dry-weight basis) in both conditioned and unconditioned plants exposed to stress. These accumulations could not account for the turgor change. Analysis of the data on relative water content indicated that the leaves of conditioned plants had less water per unit dry weight than did leaves of controls. This change accounts for a substantial fraction of the difference between the osmotic potential of conditioned and control plants. The results of a simple model suggest that structural changes may play a significant role in explaining differences in the responses of conditioned and control plants to water stress.

Multiphasic Uptake of Amino Acids by Barley Roots

Abstract: Concentration-dependence and other characteristics of uptake of 3H-labeled l-lysine, l-methionine and l-proline by excised roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were studied. Use of relatively short uptake and wash periods and low solute concentrations ensured good estimates of influx across the plasmalemma. Uptake in the range of 10−7M– 6.3 × 10−3M can be precisely represented by four or five phases of single, multiphasic mechanisms. The mechanisms appear to be relatively specific as judged from the competition by unlabeled analogues. Structural requirements for interaction of a compound with the uptake site for methionine are given, as are the effects of analogues on the phase pattern for this amino acid. There is no indication of separate uptake and transition sites for methionine or lysine. i.e. phase transitions seem in this case to be caused by binding of molecule(s) to the uptake site. Uptake, but not phase patterns, was highly pH-dependent. The optima were pH 5 for lysine, pH 3–5 (a broad peak) for methionine and about pH 5.5 for proline. Uptake of the three amino acids was strongly inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol. sulfhydryl reagents and deoxycholate.

Nitrogen Nutrition and Cytokinin Activity in Solanum tuberosum

Abstract: In water culture experiments with potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Ostara), the influence of continuous nitrogen nutrition (constant supply of NO3−) and discontinuous nitrogen nutrition (interruption of NO3− supply, i. e., nitrogen withdrawal for 6 days) on the endogeneous cytokinin level in the roots, shoots and exudate of decapitated plants was studied. Harvests took place at intervals of 3 days. The chlorophyll formation test (cucumber cotyledons) and soya callus test were used to determine the cytokinin activity. With continuous nitrogen, the cytokinin activity decreased slightly with time in both roots and shoots but rose in the exudate. With discontinuous nitrogen, the nitrogen withdrawal led to a temporary, pronounced increase in cytokinin activity in the roots; at the same time, the cytokinin activity in the exudate decreased sharply. It is assumed that this temporary increase in cytokinin activity in the roots is a reflection of increased meristem activity in the roots. In the shoots, the cytokinin activity decreased during the nitrogen withdrawal period. These nitrogen-induced changes in cytokinin activity in the roots and shoots of potato should presumably have an important influence on the physiological age of the shoot, with all its consequences in the further development of the plant. Zeatin riboside was likely the main cytokinin component involved.

Allosteric Regulation of Potassium Uptake in Plant Roots

Abstract: In uptake experiments from nutrient solutions containing 2.0 mM K+ labelled with 86Rb+, the relationship between potassium uptake efficiency and internal potassium concentration of the roots, [K+]i was found to be partly sigmoidal for intact plants of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), glasshouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), Scots pine (Pinus silvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), The results were interpreted in terms of sigmoidal enzyme kinetics for allosteric regulation. Hill plots of the data gave straight lines at specific [K+]i intervals for the species. The slopes of the lines are the Hill coefficient, which could be regarded as a measure of the minimal number of allosteric sites. The Hill coefficient varied between - 14.4 and - 15.9. When divided by four, these values are fairly consistent with those in the literature. It is suggested that four active uptake sites interact with four groups of allosteric sites, each group containing four such sites, or that one active uptake site interacts with all the allosteric sites. Thus the results are evidence that the mechanism regulating K+ uptake is basically similar for the investigated plants. It is the interval of [K+]i mediating highly negatively cooperative allosteric regulation that differs among species. For some of the species, n decreased from about 15 and approached unity at high [K+]i values. This may indicate that only few sites are still available, making cooperativity unimportant. Alternatively high vacuolar [K+]i concentrations may give rise to an incorrect evaluation of data from Hill plots, since the cytoplasmic K+ content likely regulates the allosteric mechanism. Moreover, it is suggested that gene-controlled carrier synthesis is responsible for the varying maximum K+ uptake efficiency among species.

Lowering of Endogenous Lipoxygenase Activity in Pisum sativum Foliage by Cytokinin as Related to Senescence

Abstract: Cytokinin (CK), when applied to intact pea plants, considerably lowered endogenous lipoxygenase levels. Furthermore it was demonstrated that the triggering of senescence induced by leaf detachment was invariably accompanied by a significant increase of lipoxygenase activity and the CK application considerably decelerates lipoxygenase increment. It is suggested that the lipoxygenase repression induced by CK is a contributing mechanism to the overall antisenescence action of the hormone, and that this may have biological implications.

Inhibition of Photosystem II in the Green Alga Ankistrodesmus falcatus by Copper

Abstract: Copper strongly inhibited 2,6-dichloroindophenol (DCIP) photoreduction in the broken cells of the green alga Ankistrodesmus falcatus (C303), and the activity lost could not be restored by adding 1,5-diphenylearbazide (DPC). Inactivation of the DCIP Hill reaction reached 45% after incubation with 10 μM cupric sulfate for 20 min. In the same time, copper (13 μg/mg chlorophyll) was bound to the broken cells. Addition of 10 mM KCl reduced copper binding by about 53%. Fluorescence intensity at room temperature decreased upon addition of cupric sulfate and was partially restored by adding 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), These results suggest that copper inactivates electron transport between the oxidizing side of the reaction center of photosystem II and the electron-donating site of DPC. Further, the effect of light intensity shows that copper mostly affected the reaction rate of the dark step and had less inhibitory effect on the quantum efficiency of the primary reaction of electron transport in photosystem II.

Effects of Organic Nutrients and Hormones on Growth and Development of Tissue Explants from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Palms Cultured in vitro

Abstract: The growth response (increase in weight) of cultured explants from seedling date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and mature coconut (Cocos nucifera L. cv. Malayan Dwarf) palms to source and concentration of organic nitrogen. carbohydrate, auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins was examined. Growth was strongly stimulated by the presence of auxins (10−7 to 10−6M), cytokinins (10−6 to 10−5M), high concentrations of sucrose (0.2 M), and in the absence of NH4Cl, by organic sources of reduced nitrogen. Higher concentrations of auxin (2,4-D or NAA at 10−6 to 10−5M) which still stimulated growth of Phoenix tissue, proved inhibitory to growth of freshly excised Cocos tissues. Explants from both palms initiated roots when subcultured on a medium with increased levels of auxin (NAA, 2.5 × 10−6 to 2.5 × 10−5M) and reduced levels of cytokinin (6-BAP, 5 × 10−8M). Isolated roots excised from these explants continued growth and produced new laterals when subcultured on media with GA3 (5 × 10−7M) and reduced levels of auxin, cytokinin, and either minerals or sucrose.

Seasonal Changes in Translocation of 14C from Different Age-Classes of Needles on 20-Year-Old Scots Pine Trees (Pinus silvestris)

Abstract: Needles of 20-year-old Scots pine trees (Pinus silvestris L.) were permitted to photoassimilate 14CO2 for 1 h on different dates during the growing season. The loss of radioactivity from current, 1-year-old, and 2-year-old needles was followed, and the translocation of photoassimilated 14CO2 from older needle age-classes to the elongating new needles studied. The effects of good mineral and water supply on translocation were also considered. In the spring, 1-year-old and 2-year-old needles accumulated 14C. These reserves, together with current photosynthate, were utilized when the trees started growing. The 1-year-old needles exported 14C to the current needles during the first weeks of elongation of the later, while no such translocation occurred from the 2-year-old needles. Removal of the 1-year-old needles resulted in translocation of assimilates from the 2-year-old needles to the current needles. The general pattern of translocation observed in the control trees was not changed when the trees were fertilized and irrigated. The new needles started to export assimilates in the middle of July when the photosynthetic rate per needle was comparable with that of the older age-classes. This occurred about 4 weeks after positive net photosynthesis was first measured for the current shoot. The current needles of trees with good nutrient and water supply seemed to become self-sufficient in photoassimilates earlier than the current needles of the control trees.

Separation of Two Forms of Anthranilate Synthetase from 5‐Methyltryptophar Susceptible and ‐Resistant Cultured Solarium tuberosumCells

Abstract: Potato cell suspension cultures (Solanum tuberosumL. cv. Merrimack) have been selected which are resistant to growth inhibition by D,L-5-methyltryptophan. Anthranilate synthetase activity in crude extracts from resistant cells was less sensitive to feedback inhibition by L-tryptophan and D,L-5-methyltryptophan than the activity from the sensitive line. This altered feedback control apparently accounts for the cell's resistance to growth inhibition since there is a 48-fold increase in free tryptophan in one of the resistant cell lines. Preparative polyacrylamide gel electro-phoresis separated feedback-sensitive and -resistant forms of anthranilate synthetase in extracts from both 5-methyltryptophan-susceptible and -resistant cells, with a predominance of the corresponding form in the respective cell type. The anthranilate synthetase activity from the 5-methyltryptophan-resistant line was inactivated more slowly by incubation of crude extracts at 50°C than the activity from the sensitive line. These results suggest the presence of two isoenzymes of anthranilate synthetase in cultured potato cells.

Accumulation of Free Proline at Low Temperatures

Abstract: The accumulation of free proline in the first leaves of barley, Hordeum distichum L., and wheat, Triticum aestivum L., in response to a range of low temperatures was examined with 10-day-old plants. In barley (cv. Prior) no proline accumulated at 8°C or above, but in wheat (cv. Gabo) proline accumulated at 12°C and lower temperatures. In barley, the first leaf survived for 29 days following transfer to 5°C and continued to accumulate proline throughout this period. In contrast, the first leaves of plants maintained at 20°C survived for 13 days only and accumulated no proline. Proline accumulation at low temperature was shown to be light-dependent, both in intact plants and excised leaf sections, and the light requirement could not be replaced by supplying leaf segments with precursors of proline. Proline accumulation in response to water stress was not light-dependent at 20°C but was at 5°C. Inter-specific and intra-specific variation in the extent of accumulation in response to low temperature was also examined. Considerable variation was encountered but there was no clear relationship with geographical distribution or chilling sensitivity for the species and no correlation with accumulation in response to water stress in the cultivars of barley examined.

Isoperoxidases in Epidermal Layers of Tobacco and Changes during Organ Formation in vitro

Abstract: The content and pattern of soluble isoperoxidases were determined in epidermal explants taken from different internodes of tobacco plants in the vegetative and floral states. There were qualitative and quantitative differences in the isoperoxidases, with a decrease in content and fewer bands being observed acropetally, i.e., in going from the base of the stem towards the apex. Epidermal explants from floral branches were grown in in vitro culture, with various media moditications, to form de novo floral or vegetative buds, roots or callus. Changes in soluble isoperoxidases were followed electrophoretically in relation to these varying morphogenetic pathways. In each of them, the number of bands increased on both the anodic and cathodic sides with time in culture. Compared to each other these four morphogenetic programmes were different in their peroxidase zymograms, mainly through varying kinetics in the development of activity of the isoenzymes. The changes observed during root and vegetative bud formation agree with previously published data, and the changes during floral bud formation agree with those observed in vivo.

The Antiranspirant Effect of Acetylsalcylic Acid on Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract: A series of experiments were carried out in order to elucidate whether acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) fed via petioles to beans could affect transpiration rate. In comparison with the water control it was found that a 10−3M ASA reduces transpiration as much as 43%, a reduction equivalent to 5 × 10−5M abscisic acid (ABA). Preliminary kinetics on the ABA, ASA and the water control on transpiration rate are presented and the results discussed.

Properties of Invertases in Sugar Storage Tissues of Citrus Fruit and Changes in Their Activities during Maturation

Abstract: Both acid and alkaline invertases were present in immature juice sacs of satsuma mandarin (Citrus‘Unshu Marcovitch”) fruit, in which sugar content was low. Maturing and mature juice sacs, in which sugar content increased steadily with time, were characterized by the presence of alkaline invertase and the absence of acid invertase. When the immature juice sacs were homogenized with 0.2 M sodium phosphate-citrate buffer (pH 8.0), almost all of the acid invertase activity was found in the solubilized fraction, whereas almost all of the alkaline invertase activity was present in the insoluble fraction. The distribution of alkaline invertase between the solubilized and insoluble fractions changed with the development of fruit. The acid invertase had a molecular weight of 69,000, optimum pH of 4.8–5.3, and Km value for sucrose of 7.3 mM. The alkaline invertase had a molecular weight of 200,000, pH optimum of 7.2–7.7, and Km value of 35.7 mM. The hydrolysing activities of both enzymes for raffinose were considerably less than those for sucrose. The alkaline invertase had lower activity for raffinose than the acid invertase.

Effects of Frost Hardening and Dehardening on Photosynthetic Electron Transport and Fluorescence Properties in Isolated Chloroplasts of Pinus silvestris

Abstract: Photosynthetic electron transport and low-temperature fluorescence emission properties have been analyzed in isolated chloroplasts during the course of frost hardening and dehardening of Pinus silvestris L. Both the partial electron-transport reactions (H2O DPIP and Asc./DPIP NADP) and the overall electron transport (H2O — NAPD) showed decreasing capacities during the course of hardening. Upon exposing the plants to −5°C and high irradiance a block in the electron-transport chain between the two photosystems developed, whereas the partial reactions still showed activities. The decrease in activity of PSl was accompanied by a decrease in P700 content, as determined by light oxidation of P700, which indicates a correlation between the two changes. Hardening also induced changes in the in vivo chlorophyll organization. During the course of hardening the fluorescence emission bands F692 and F726 decreased relative to F680. These changes were more pronounced if the plants were treated in high than in low irradiance. This suggests a greater destruction of the chlorophyll antennae in close association with the two photoreactions than in the so-called light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b antenna. During dehardening basically the reverse of the changes observed during hardening occurred. The recovery of secondary needles was complete, whereas primary needles only partly recovered.

Physiological changes in hemiparasite rhinanthus-serotinus before and after attachment

Abstract: Growth of the hemiparasite Rhinanthus serotinus (Schonh.) Oborny was greatly stimulated after attachment of the parasite to the roots of the host plant, Hordeum vulgare L. In order to find the limiting factors for the growth of Rhinanthus without a host, unattached and attached Rhinanthus plants were compared. Within I day after attachment the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sodium increased considerably. Organic nitrogen and phosphorus compounds were rapidly synthesized in attached Rhinanthus. The accumulation of sugars in unattached Rhinanthus and the decrease in sugar content after attachment suggested that the main requirement from the host was not for carbohydrates.

Nitrogen Metabolism of the Upper Three Leaf Blades of Wheat at Different Soil Nitrogen Levels

Abstract: Upper three leaf blades on the mainshoot of wheat cultivar, cv. Pusa Lerma, grown under three soil nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 120 kg ha-1), were examined for changes in total reduced nitrogen and protease activity at pH 4.0 and 7.0. No net loss of reduced nitrogen takes place prior to and around anthesis. The protease activity is low during this period. At later stages there is rise in the loss of nitrogen which is paralleled by enhancement in protease activity. From amongst the leaf blades, nitrogen concentration is significantly high in the flag and penultimate as compared to the values in the third leaf blade. There were significant differences in protease activity (pH 4.0) amongst the leaf blades. At pH 7.0, however, the differences between the flag and penultimate leaf blades were not significant. Highest enzyme activity was in the flag followed by penultimate and then third leaf blade. Soil N application significantly enhanced the nitrogen content of all the leaf blades. At pH 4.0, the protease activity (g fr. wt.-1) increased significantly due to soil N application (N30 over N0). There was, however, decline in the enzyme activity at pH 7.0, though the differences at different soil N levels were not significant. Analysis in terms of μmol N (reduced form) accumulated in the grains (ear)-1 revealed that two-thirds of N is translocated by 28-day stage and the rest between 28-day and final harvest. The three leaf blades together contributed 22.7, 32.6 and 48.5% of the grain N (ear)-1 at N0, N30 and N120- respectively. Most of the nitrogen applied to the soil is reduced by these leaf blades.

Some Morphological and Biochemical Characteristics of C3 and C4 Plants Irradiated with UV‐B

Abstract: Four C3 and two C4 plants were subjected for 350 h to an enhanced UV-B radiation (280 to 310 nm) regime simulating a 0.18 atm. cm ozone level (solar angle 55°) in growth chamber. Different degrees of response among plant species were observed. UV-B radiation reduced plant height, fresh and dry weight, protein content, total chlorophyll, inhibited net CO2 uptake and the Hill reaction activity. Some broad-leaved species with C3 type of carbon assimilation were more susceptible to UV-B alterations of morphological and biochemical characteristics than the narrowleaved species with C4 type photosynthesis.

Attenuation of the Petal Movement Rhythm in Kalanchoë with Light Pulses

Abstract: The circadian petal movement rhythm of Kalanchoe flowers has been studied. The amplitude of the rhythm can be drastically reduced by an appropriate stimulus of a light pulse. It has also been shown that it is possible to stop the rhythm permanently by administering a single light pulse to the flowers. This is interpreted to indicate that the light pulse has sent the circadian rhythm into a stable state of singularity. The conditions which attenuate the rhythm have been investigated both theoretically (on the basis of a previously published model for circadian rhythms) and experimentally. 120 min red light of 230 μW · cm−2, starting briefly before the second petal closure about 30 h after transfer to constant safe light conditions is optimal in inducing rhythm-damping. Damping requires the same duration when the light is given at the corresponding phase during the third or fourth cycle of the rhythm. However, in the first cycle 240 min red light of 230 μW · cm−2 is required to get optimal damping of the rhythm. Conditions to achieve damping for other irradiances are investigated. Individual recordings are presented which show the behaviour of the rhythm when perturbed by light stimuli close to its singularity.