Comparative Potency of Nine Gibberellins

Gibberellins A₁ to A₉ have been compared, each at several doselevels, in bioassays based on extension of stems of dwarf gardenpea (Pisum sativum), dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Lunariaannua, of hypocotyls of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and lettuce(Lactuca sativa), and of leaf sheaths of three dwarf mutants(d–1, d–3, d–5) of maize (Zea mays). GibberellinsA₃ (gibberellic acid) and A₇ are of high potency in most bioassays.A₈ is of negligible potency in all and is probably not a functionalhormone. The other gibberellins show a more or less marked tendencyto specificity. The plants used as bioassay material also differin the specificity of their response. Some, for example, maizedwarfs d–3 and d–5 and lettuce, respond well tomost gibberellins; others, for example, cucumber, respond onlyto a few; extreme specificity is shown by Lunaria annua which,in the unvernalized condition, responds by stem elongation onlyto gibberellin A₇. Dose/response curves of the various gibberellinsare usually parallel, but certain exceptions to this have beenfound. Possible explanations of specificity are discussed inrelation to the results obtained, and it is concluded that insufficientevidence is available to make it possible to draw any validconclusions. Current definitions of gibberellins, whether basedon chemical structure or biological activity, are unsatisfactory.     

Identification and Semi-Quantification of Gibberellins from the Pollen and Anthers of Zea mays by Immunoassay and GC/MS

Radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays formethyl esters of gibberellins A₁, A₃, A₄, and A₇ were establishedusing an antiserum specific for GA₁-Me. The antiserum was characterizedby high titer and specificity for such C₁₉-GAs with 3ß-hydroxylgroup as GA₁, GA₃, GA₄ and GA₇. Combination of this antiserumand HPLC enabled us to identify and quantify GA, and GA₄ fromthe pollen of Zea mays with a high degree of reliability. Similarly,identification and quantification of GA₉ and GA₂₀ were alsomade possible by use of an antiserum specific for GA₂₀-Me. Combineduse of immunoassays and GC/MS enabled us to identify nine GAsfrom the pollen and four from the anthers of Zea mays. The identificationof non-13-hydroxylated GAs, such as GA₄ and GA₉, in additionto 13-hydroxylated GAs from the pollen and the anthers suggeststhat the early-non-hydroxylation pathway, as well as the early-13-hydrox-ylationpathway, operates in the male reproductive organs of Zea mays,and that the organ-specific biosynthesis and/or localizationof GAs in Zea mays is similar to that in Oryza saliva. (Received May 7, 1990; Accepted August 20, 1990)     

A Modified Micro-Drop Bioassay Using Dwarf Rice for Detection of Femtomol Quantities of Gibberellins

The sensitivity of the micro-drop assay with dwarf rice (Oryzasativa L., cv. Tan-ginbozu and cv. Waito-Q to gibberellins (GAs)was increased conspicuously by the use of assay plants thathas been treated with uniconazole (S-3307), an inhibitor ofthe biosynthesis of GAs. The Tan-ginbozu plants treated withS-3307 responded to 10 fmol/plant of GA₃ (ca. 3.5 pg/plant)and to 30 fmol/plant of gibberellins A₁, A₄, A₇, A₁₉ and A₂₀.Waito-C plants treated with S-3307 responded to 10 fmol of GA₃and to 30 fmol/plant of gibberellins A₁, A₄ and A₇. GibberellinsA₉, A₁₉ and A₂₀ had much less of an effect on the treated Waito-Cplants than did gibberellins A₁, A₃, A₄ and A₇. Furthermore,treatment with S-3307 counteracted the inhibition of growthof both cultivars by abscisic acid. Thus, the modified micro-dropassay should prove very useful for the detection of minute amountsof GAs in plant extracts. (Received October 3, 1988; Accepted March 29, 1989)     

Differential P1-purinergic modulation of human Schlemm's canal inner-wall cells

Intraocular pressure is directly dependent on aqueous humor flow into, and resistance to flow out of, the eye. Adenosine has complex effects on intraocular pressure. Stimulation of A₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors changes intraocular pressure oppositely, likely through opposing actions on the outflow of aqueous humor. While the cellular sites regulating outflow resistance are unknown, the cells lining the inner wall of Schlemm's canal (SC) are a likely regulatory site. We applied selective adenosine receptor agonists to SC cells in vitro to compare the responses to A₁ and A_2A stimulation. Parallel studies were conducted with human inner-wall SC cells isolated by a novel enzyme-assisted technique and with cannula-derived mixed inner- and outer-wall SC cells. A₁ agonists increased whole cell currents of both inner-wall and cannula-derived SC cells. An A_2A agonist reduced currents most consistently in specifically inner-wall SC cells. Those currents were also increased by A_2B, but not consistently affected by A₃, stimulation. A₁, A_2A, and A₃ agonists all increased SC-cell intracellular Ca²⁺. The electrophysiological results are consistent with the possibility that inner-wall SC cells may mediate the previously reported modulatory effects of adenosine on outflow resistance. The results are also consistent with the presence of functional A_2B, as well as A₁, A_2A, and A₃ adenosine receptors in SC cells. intraocular pressure; aqueous humor outflow; ion transport; adenosine agonists     

Interactions of the Growth Retardants Daminozide and Piproctanyl Bromide, and Gibberellins A1, A3, A4+7, A5 and A13 in Stem Extension and Inflorescence Development in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat

Interactions between the growth retardants daminozide (a substitutedsuccinamic acid) or piproctanyl bromide (a quaternary ammonium,piperidinium compound), and a subsequent application of a singledose (40 µg) of either gibberellin A₁, A₃, A₄₊₇ or A₁₂,showed that, in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Bright GoldenAnne, a strong interdependence exists between elongation ofthe lateral shoot and the rate of development of its terminalinflorescence. A₁, A₃, and A₄₊₇ were highly active in overcoming the restrictionson both internode extension and the rate of flower-bud developmentimposed by either retardant, suggesting that these two retardanteffects are caused by a deficiency of active gibberellins (GN).In the absence of retardant, A₁, A₃, and A₄₊₇ markedly increasedstem elongation, and flowering occurred earlier than in plantsreceiving neither retardant nor GN. A₁₃ the only 20-carbon GNtested, was much less active, while A₅ had a relatively greatereffect on the time of flowering than on shoot elongation. Thus,it is not necessarily the rate of stem extension which determinesthe rate of inflorescence development. The response to different amounts of A₁, A₃ or A₁₃ (1, 5, 10,20, or 50 µg per shoot) neither suggest that different‘threshold’ levels of a particular GN are requiredto induce increases in either stem elongation or in the rateat which inflorescences develop, nor did a change in the dosegiven lead to any consistent differential effect on these twoprocesses. Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat., stem extension, inflorescence development, growth retardants, gibberellins     

Gibberellin-like Substances in Immature Seeds of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

From immature seeds of guava fruits, Psidium guajava, L. eightgibberellin-like substances designated X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6,X7, and X8 were isolated. Chemical and biological evidence ledto the tentative identification of X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, andX7 as gibberellins A₆, A₅, A₁, A₃, A₇, A₉, and A₄ respectively.Support for such identification was obtained from paper chromatography,thin-layer chromatography, gradient elution column chromatography,and the lettuce hypocotyl test. The compound X8 has not beenidentified chemically.     

The growth promoting effect of red light on internode elongation of Progress seedlings

Red light increased elongation of the apical 10 mm of epicotylsexcised from 7-day-old dark grown Progress seedlings. Removalof the basal portion of the plant appears to render the tissueinsensitive to the inhibitory influences of light. Additionof gibberellins A₁, A₃ or A₅ further increased elongation. Thered light growth response was independent of the gibberellinresponse; therefore, it was considered to be unrelated to anincrease in gibberellin biosynthesis. A study of the time course of growth in the presence of thegibberellins revealed that a 6–8 hr lag period was requiredbefore A₁ and A₅ became effective, while no lag period was associatedwith A₃. It was suggested that A₁ and A₅ were converted to anA₃-like gibberellin. (Received July 29, 1972; )     

Limitations to net photosynthesis as affected by nitrogen status in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings

Relative limitations of nitrogen (N) status on the processescontributing to photosynthetic rate (A) were investigated. Jackpine {Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings from seeds grown in sandculture were supplied with four different N treatments for 6weeks, which resulted in a needle N content ranging from 50–85mmol m^–2 (14–32 mg g^–1 dry weight). Leaf gasexchange at varying CO₂ levels was measured and limitationson A₃₅₀ (A at ambient CO₂ level) caused by finite, limitingcarboxylation efficiency (c.e.), maximum A (A_max)and stomatalconductance were estimated from an analysis of the responseof A to internal CO₂ concentration. Although c.e. and A_max decreasedlinearly with the decline in needle N, the magnitudes of theirchanges relative to A₃₅₀ differed. A_max varied with A₃₅₀ andalways exceeded A₃₅₀ by 37–38% c.e., however, declinedfaster than A₃₅₀, as needle N level decreased. Consequently,relative limitation on A₃₅₀ caused by inefficient A_max remainedconstant, but limitations caused by c.e. increased by 10–15%at low N levels. In contrast, the limitation by stomatal conductancedeclined initially, but remained stable when N content droppedbelow 75 mmol m^–2. The results suggest: (1) a decreasein biochemical capacity, but not stomatal conductance, contributedto the reduction of A₃₅₀ induced by N-deficiency in jack pineseedlings; and (2) the capacity of carboxylation appeared tobe impaired more than that of electron transport and/or photophosphorylationand its reduction may be the major reason for the reductionin A₃₅₀. Key words: A–C_i analysis, carboxylation efficiency, electron transport, nitrogen deficiency, stomatal conductance     

Effect of GA3, GA4$7, GA5 and GA9 on the sex expression of Luffa acutangula var. H-2

Gibberellins A₃, A_4$7, A₅, and A₉ increase the number of malebuds and flowers, but inhibit the opening of female flowersand shift their position to a higher node in Luffa acutangula.GA₃ is the most effective followed by GA_4$7, GA₅ and GA₉. (Received November 19, 1971; )     

Activity of Gibberellins A1 to A0 in the Avena First-leaf Bioassay, and Location after Chromatography

Activity curves are determined for gibberellins A₁ to A₀ bythe Avena first-leaf bioassay method. Gibberellins A¹, A₄ andA₅ can be detected at 10^-11 or 10^-10 g/ml and give optimum activityof approximately 230 per cent elongation (water controls = 100per cent). Gibberellins A²A³, and A⁹ can be detected at 10^-3g/mland give optimum activity of approximately 200 per cent. GibberellinsA₆ and A₇ can be detected at 10^-5g/ml; GA₇ gives optimum activityof around 190 per cent. All the gibberellins except GA₈ canbe detected by this bioassay method after chromatography inn-butanol: 1.5 N ammonia (3: 1) and benzene: acetic acid: water(4: 2: 1) when applied to the paper at concentrations from O.Ito µg. The sensitivity of the method is compared withthat of other gibberellin bioassay methods.     

Expression of the nuclear gene TaF(A)d is under mitochondrial retrograde regulation in anthers of male sterile wheat plants with timopheevii cytoplasm

Alterations of mitochondrial-encoded subunits of the F_oF₁-ATPsynthase are frequently associated with cytoplasmic male sterility(CMS) in plants; however, little is known about the relationshipof the nuclear encoded subunits of this enzyme with CMS. Inthe present study, the full cDNA of the gene TaF_Ad that encodesthe putative F_Ad subunit of the F_oF₁-ATP synthase was isolatedfrom the wheat (Triticum aestivum) fertility restorer ‘2114’for timopheevii cytoplasm-based CMS. The deduced 238 amino acidpolypeptide is highly similar to its counterparts in dicotsand other monocots but has low homology to its mammalian equivalents.TaF_Ad is a single copy gene in wheat and maps to the short armof the group 6 chromosomes. Transient expression of the TaF_Ad–GFPfusion in onion epidermal cells demonstrated TaF_Ad's mitochondriallocation. TaF_Ad was expressed abundantly in stem, leaf, anther,and ovary tissues of 2114. Nevertheless, its expression wasrepressed in anthers of CMS plants with timopheevii cytoplasm.Genic male sterility did not affect its expression in anthers.The expression of the nuclear gene encoding the 20 kDa subunitof F_o was down-regulated in a manner similar to TaF_Ad in theT-CMS anthers while that of genes encoding the 6 kDa subunitof F_o and the subunit of F₁ was unaffected. These observationsimplied that TaF_Ad is under mitochondrial retrograde regulationin the anthers of CMS plants with timopheevii cytoplasm. Key words: CMS, F_Ad subunit, F_oF₁-ATP synthase, retrograde regulation, wheat Received 8 October 2007; Revised 9 January 2008 Accepted 28 January 2008     

Effects of Seasonal Variation in Radiation and Temperature on Net Assimilation and Growth Rates in an Arid Climate

The net assimilation rate (E_A), relative growth-rate (R_w), andleaf-area ratio (F_A) were measured for rape (Brassica napus),sunflower (Hetianthus annuus), and maize (Zea mays) at varioustimes of year in an arid climate, using young plants grown widelyspaced on nutrient culture. Multiple regression analysis accountedfor 90–95 per cent of the variation in E_A and R_W in termsof two climatic variables: mean temperature and radiation receipt. E_A rose linearly with radiation in all three species; increasein E_A with temperature was greatest in maize and least (notsignificant) in rape. R_Wrose with radiation and temperature,the latter being the more important variable especially in coolweather; a temperature optimum was shown at 24° C in rape.F_A rose with increase in temperature or decrease in radiation;its variation was due to change in leaf area/leaf weight ratherthan in leaf weight/plant weight. Multiple regression analyses can lead to faulty interpretationif the independent variables are correlated (as are climaticvariables in nature), but conclusions can be checked by controlled-environmentstudies in which climatic factors are not correlated. The presentconclusions are supported by such studies. The regression equations, coupled with average weather records,indicate seasonal cycles of growth parameters. E_A is maximalnear midsummer and minimal near midwinter, following the radiationcycle. Maxima and minima in R_W are about a month later, becauseR_W is affected by the temperature cycle and this lags behindthe radiation cycle. F_A is maximal in autumn and minimal inspring. E_A is highest where radiation receipts near 750 cal cm^–2day^–1 coincide with high temperatures. This combinationoccurs only in clear midsummer weather at low latitudes, andis maintained over long periods only in arid regions. The fact that E_A rose linearly with radiation suggests thatleaf water deficits arising under high radiation had littleeffect on E_A and that saturating levels of light were very high.     

Variations with Age in Net Assimilation Rate and other Growth Attributes of Sugar-beet, Potato, and Barley in a Controlled Environment: With two Figures in the Text

Sugar-beet, potato, and barley plants were grown in a controlledenvironment, for periods of up to 10 weeks from sowing, witha light intensity of 1,8oo f.c. (4·9 cal./cm.²/hr.) anda temperature of 20° C. during the 18-hour photoperiod and15° C. during the dark period, to test whether net assimilationrate varied with age and differed between the three species. Net assimilation rate of all species based on leaf area (E_A)fell approximately linearly with time. During 5 weeks E_A ofsugar-beet decreased by only about 20 per cent. and E_A of potatodecreased by 50 per cent. E_A of barley remained approximatelyconstant for 4 weeks after sowing and was halved during thesubsequent 4 weeks. The average value of E_A for all times wasgreatest for sugarbeet and least for barley. Net assimilation rates based on leaf weight (E_W) and leaf N(E_N) decreased at about 15 per cent. of the initial value perweek for all species; this was similar to the mean rate of decreaseof E_A of potato and barley, but greater than that of E_A of sugar-beet.Mean values of E_W or E_N for potato and barley were similar andless than for sugar-beet. Relative growth rate (R_W), relative leaf growth-rate (R_A), andleaf-area ratio (F) fell with time at similar rates for allspecies. Average values of R_W decreased and of F increased inthe order sugar-beet, potato, barley. R_A was greatest for potatoand least for barley.     

Regulation of K+ current in human airway epithelial cells by exogenous and autocrine adenosine

The regulatory actions ofadenosine on ion channel function are mediated by four distinctmembrane receptors. The concentration of adenosine in the vicinity ofthese receptors is controlled, in part, by inwardly directed nucleosidetransport. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects ofadenosine on ion channels in A549 cells and the role of nucleosidetransporters in this regulation. Ion replacement and pharmacologicalstudies showed that adenosine and an inhibitor of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT)-1, nitrobenzylthioinosine, activated K⁺ channels, most likely Ca²⁺-dependentintermediate-conductance K⁺ (I_K)channels. A₁ but not A₂ receptor antagonistsblocked the effects of adenosine. RT-PCR studies showed that A549 cellsexpressed mRNA for I_K-1 channels as well asA₁, A_2A, and A_2B but notA₃ receptors. Similarly, mRNA for equilibrative (hENT1 andhENT2) but not concentrative (hCNT1, hCNT2, and hCNT3) nucleosidetransporters was detected, a result confirmed in functional uptakestudies. These studies showed that adenosine controls the function ofK⁺ channels in A549 cells and that hENTs play a crucialrole in this process.

     

Limitation to Photosynthesis in Water-stressed Leaves: Stomata vs. Metabolism and the Role of ATP

Decreasing relative water content (RWC) of leaves progressivelydecreases stomatal conductance (g_s), slowing CO₂ assimilation(A) which eventually stops, after which CO₂ is evolved. In somestudies, photosynthetic potential (A_pot), measured under saturatingCO₂, is unaffected by a small loss of RWC but becomes progressivelymore inhibited, and less stimulated by elevated CO₂, below athreshold RWC (Type 1 response). In other studies, A_pot andthe stimulation of A by elevated CO₂ decreases progressivelyas RWC falls (Type 2 response). Decreased A_pot is caused byimpaired metabolism. Consequently, as RWC declines, the relativelimitation of A by g_s decreases, and metabolic limitation increases.Causes of decreased A_pot are considered. Limitation of ribulosebisphosphate (RuBP) synthesis is the likely cause of decreasedA_pot at low RWC, not inhibition or loss of photosynthetic carbonreduction cycle enzymes, including RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase(Rubisco). Limitation of RuBP synthesis is probably caused byinhibition of ATP synthesis, due to progressive inactivationor loss of Coupling Factor resulting from increasing ionic (Mg²⁺)concentration, not to reduced capacity for electron or protontransport, or inadequate trans-thylakoid proton gradient (pH).Inhibition of A_pot by accumulation of assimilates or inadequateinorganic phosphate is not considered significant. DecreasedATP content and imbalance with reductant status affect cellmetabolism substantially: possible consequences are discussedwith reference to accumulation of amino acids and alterationsin protein complement under water stress.     

Adenosine receptor expression and function in bladder uroepithelium

The uroepithelium of the bladder forms an impermeable barrier that is maintained in part by regulated membrane turnover in the outermost umbrella cell layer. Other than bladder filling, few physiological regulators of this process are known. Western blot analysis established that all four adenosine receptors (A₁, A_2a, A_2b, and A₃) are expressed in the uroepithelium. A₁ receptors were prominently localized to the apical membrane of the umbrella cell layer, whereas A_2a, A_2b, and A₃ receptors were localized intracellularly or on the basolateral membrane of umbrella cells and the plasma membrane of the underlying cell layers. Adenosine was released from the uroepithelium, which was potentiated 10-fold by stretching the tissue. Administration of adenosine to the serosal or mucosal surface of the uroepithelium led to increases in membrane capacitance (where 1 µF 1 cm² tissue area) of 30% or 24%, respectively, after 5 h. Although A₁, A_2a, and A₃ selective agonists all stimulated membrane capacitance after being administrated serosally, only the A₁ agonist caused large increases in capacitance after being administered mucosally. Adenosine receptor antagonists as well as adenosine deaminase had no effect on stretch-induced capacitance increases, but adenosine potentiated the effects of stretch. Treatment with U-73122, 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate, or xestospongin C or incubation in calcium-free Krebs solution inhibited adenosine-induced increases in capacitance. These data indicate that the uroepithelium is a site of adenosine biosynthesis, that adenosine receptors are expressed in the uroepithelium, and that one function of these receptors may be to modulate exocytosis in umbrella cells. capacitance; exocytosis     

ERRATA

On page 235, Table I: Equation (1) for Node 4 should read ‘A/A_c=0·840+0·0006A_c’;Equation (2) for Node 4 should read ‘A=0·89A_c’and Equation (2) for Node 5–10 should read ‘A=0·813A_c’.     

UBER DIE WIRKUNG DES GIBBERELLINS AUF DIE BLUTENBILDUNG VON PHARBITIS NILCHOIS

Die Blütenbildung der Pharbitis-Pñanzenwird durchBehandlung der Keimlingen mit Gibberellin vor der Dunkelperiodegefördert, und die Zufuhr auf dem Vegetationspunkt istebenso wirksam wie die auf Kotyledonen. Die Wirkung tritt bei der Zufuhr unmittelbar vor der Dunkelperiodebis zu 2 Stunden nach Anfang derselben am stärksten auf,ist aber sogar bei der Zufuhr unmittelbar nach der Dunkelperiodedeutlich bemerkbar. Die Blütenanlage kann in ununterbrochener Beleuchtung mitschwachem Licht ausgebildet werden; die kritische Intensitätwird durch Gibberellin deutlich gesteigert. Die Blühhemmung von Indolylessigsäure wird durch Gibberellinteilweise aufgehoben. Die Wirkungsreihe der einzelnen Gibberelline in der Strek-kungsförderungist A_s = A₁> A₄ = A₂. In derselben Reihe steht die Blühförderungdurch niedrige Konzentration (1 mg/l), bei höherer Konzentration(100mg/l)ist sie in der Reihe A₂=A₄>A₃ = A3. Mittlere Konzentration(100mg/l)zeigt eine Übergangsreihe zwischen den beiden. (Received April 21, 1961; )     

An Analysis of Growth of Oil Palms under Nursery Conditions: II. The Effect of Spacing and Season on Growth

Three experiments on the growth of watered nursery oil palmsare described, the results of which provide estimates of seasonalvariation in net assimilation rate (E_A) and relative growth-rate(R_w) in the tropics (6° 33' N.). The range of values obtained for E_A and R_w is similar to thatfound with seedlings and during early growth in the nursery(E_A = o.I8–o.32 g/dm²/week, R_w= o.84–I.70 per cent/day)and there is very little effect of season on E_A; such variationas exists appears to be related to solar radiation. A spacing experiment indicated that E_A is independent of leafarea index (L) when L is below about 2.2, but that above thislevel E_A decreases with increasing L, falling to zero at L =5.4. The crop growth-rate (C) is maximal when L is between 2.5and 3, the maximum value observed was o.62 g/dm²/week (equivalentto 3.22 x10⁴ kg/ha/annum). These results are compared with other estimates of growth andassimilation rates of seedling, nursery and adult oil palms,and are discussed in relation to the efficiency of energy fixation,and apparent growth-rates.     

Dwarf mistletoe affects whole-tree water relations of Douglas fir and western larch primarily through changes in leaf to sapwood ratios

Dwarf mistletoes induce abnormal growth patterns and extreme changes in the biomass allocation of their hosts as well as directly parasitizing them for resources. Because biomass allocation can affect the resource use and efficiency of conifers, we studied the influences of dwarf mistletoe infection on above-ground biomass allocation of Douglas fir and western larch, and the consequences of such changes on whole-tree water use and water relations. Sap flow, tree water potentials, leaf:sapwood area ratios (A_L:A_S), leaf carbon isotope ratios, and nitrogen content were measured on Douglas fir and western larch trees with various degrees of mistletoe infection during the summer of 1996 in western Montana. Heavy dwarf mistletoe infection on Douglas fir and western larch was related to significant increases in A_L:A_S. Correspondingly, water transport dynamics were altered in infected trees, but responses were different for the two species. Higher A_L:A_S ratios in heavily infected Douglas firs were offset by increases in sapwood area-based sap flux densities (Q_SW) such that leaf area-based sap flux densities (Q_L) and predawn leaf water potentials at the end of the summer did not change significantly with mistletoe infection. Small (but statistically insignificant) decreases of Q_L for heavily infected Douglas firs were enough to offset increases in leaf area such that whole-tree water use was similar for uninfected and heavily infected trees. Increased A_L:A_S ratios of heavily infected western larch were not offset by increases of Q_SW. Consequently, Q_L was reduced, which corresponded with significant decreases of water potential at the end of the summer. Furthermore, mistletoe-infection-related changes in A_L:A_S as a function of tree size resulted in greater whole-tree water use for large infected larches than for large uninfected trees. Such changes may result in further depletion of limited soil water resources in mature infected stands late in the growing season. Foliage from infected trees of both species had lower water use efficiencies than non-infected trees. Our results demonstrate substantial changes of whole-tree processes related to mistletoe infection, and stress the importance of integrating whole-tree physiological and structural processes to fully understand the mechanisms by which pathogens suppress forest productivity.