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Source-sink relations in maize mutants with starch-deficient endosperms.
K E Koch1, C L Tsui, L E Schrader
1Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.
Plant Physiology
|July 1, 1982
Summary
Starch-deficient corn mutants (sh2 and bt1) show altered photosynthate partitioning and translocation. These mutants export less sugar and accumulate more starch in leaves, impacting source-sink relationships.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Corn (Zea mays L.) genetics and physiology are crucial for understanding crop yield.
- Starch biosynthesis pathways are vital for energy storage in plants.
- Source-sink relationships dictate nutrient allocation within plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare photosynthate partitioning and translocation in corn.
- To investigate the impact of starch-deficient mutants (sh2, bt1) on these processes.
- To utilize mutants for studying source-sink dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Supplying steady-state (14)CO(2) to source leaf blades.
- Analyzing (14)C-assimilate distribution in leaves, kernels, and translocation pathways.
- Quantifying (14)C in free sugars and starch fractions.
Main Results:
- Mutant kernels (sh2, bt1) translocated significantly less (14)C (0.9%, 2.6%) compared to nonmutant (14.1%).
- Mutant plants exported less photosynthate (24.0%, 36.3%) and accumulated more (14)C in leaf starch.
- Reduced photosynthate in leaf blade and sheath observed in mutants.
Conclusions:
- Starch-deficient endosperm mutants (sh2, bt1) significantly alter photosynthate partitioning and translocation in corn.
- These mutants offer valuable insights into plant source-sink relationships.
- Understanding these mechanisms can aid in improving crop productivity.