Studies in Stomatal Behaviour: VI. AN INVESTIGATION OF THE LIGHT RESPONSES OF WHEAT STOMATA WITH THE ATTEMPTED ELIMINATION OF CONTROL BY THE MESOPHYLL

As in the previous investigation (Part I), stomatal responsesin wheat were followed by means of porometer readings; betweenthese, air was forced through the stomata to sweep out the substomatalcavities. Instead of forcing the whole of a relatively slowair-flow in through the stomata, however, a fast flow was sweptacross the leaf surface and a portion of this passed into theintercellular space system. This helped to maintain the desiredcarbon dioxide content close to the stomatal openings and thestomata could thus be treated with different carbon dioxideconcentrations. A factorial experiment was carried out in which6 carbon dioxide concentrations from zero to 0084 per cent,were combined with 3 light intensities from 90 to 800 f.c, the18 treatments being replicated 6 times in three ‘66 latinsquares’. A supplementary experiment in which the same6 carbon dioxide treatments were given in darkness was carriedout in duplicate. The results confirmed previous findings inthat the stomata showed no appreciable response to variationof external carbon dioxide supply between zero and 001 percent, concentration and that a large and highly significantlight response was found at each of these two carbon dioxidelevels. This is held to indicate the existence of a light effect(direct or indirect) not operating by reduction of the internalcarbon dioxide content of the guard cells. On the assumptionthat the rates of air flow through the stomata were adequate,the combined results of the two experiments are interpretedmainly in terms of two direct effects of light upon the stomata,one depending on photosynthetic reduction of carbon dioxidein the guard cells and the other, mentioned above, not so operating.To these must be added the indirect effect responsible for the‘transmission’ described in Part 1, which mightpossibly account for the whole of the second direct effect postulated.Finally, if the rates of flow were in fact grossly inadequate,the trends attributed to the first direct effect mentioned abovemight have been due to indirect control by the mesophyll viathe intercellular space atmosphere. Such control must accountfor part of the light responses which occur under natural conditions.The natural light response is thus made up of at least two andmore probably four components—two direct and two indirect,in each case one operating by the internal carbon dioxide andthe other not. A highly significant diurnal rhythm of stomatalmovement under constant illumination and temperature is shownto occur in wheat. The measure of stomatal resistance used (logresistance per 10,000 stomata) is discussed, and it is concludedthat although it is empirical a much more satisfactory measureis not at present available.     

Studies in Stomatal Behaviour: V. THE ROLE OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE LIGHT RESPONSE OF STOMATA

It was found that stomata on illuminated leaves, both of Pelargoniumand wheat, opened much wider where the leaf surface was enclosedin a small volume of air, as in a normal porometer cup, thanelsewhere. This was shown for both species by the infiltrationmethod, and for Pelargonium by Lloyd's method and direct microscopicalobservation also. The effect was shown not to be due to pressure of the porometercup or glass plate on the leaf, or to temperature differences,nor directly to the lack of movement or high humidity of theenclosed air. A considerable body of data was collected which appeared tosupport the hypothesis that the wide opening was due to accumulationof some volatile substance produced by the leaf, but all theresults were also consistent with the view that it was causedby reduction in the carbon dioxide content of the enclosed airbelow the normal 0·03 per cent. owing to photosynthesis.Further crucial experiments with both the porometer and infiltrationmethods left virtually no doubt that the latter hypothesis wascorrect. This extreme sensitivity of stomata to carbon dioxide concentrationwithin the range 0·03 per cent. to zero is discussedin relation to their operation in nature, and a possible biologicaladvantage is suggested. The bearing of the effect upon porometer investigations is alsodiscussed and it is concluded that for all quantitative or semi-quantitativeexperimentation it is essential to use a cup detached betweenreadings, or at least swept with air such as surrounds the restof the leaf, and to have the upper leaf surface above the cuparea freely exposed or similarly swept. For qualitative investigationof the light response of stomata the traditional form of cupmay be used. The importance is stressed of allowing porometer readings toreach equilibrium under one set of conditions before changingto another, when investigating the ‘closing’ or‘opening’ effects of external factors. Several subsidiary effects, observed in the course of the investigation,are discussed; in particular an effect of humidity upon therate of response to other factors.     

Studies in Stomatal Behaviour: V. THE ROLE OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE LIGHT RESPONSE OF STOMATA

Experiments are described in which the responses of wheat stomatato carbon dioxide concentration (0·00, 0·01, 0·02,0·03 per cent.), light intensity (275, 625, 975 f.c.),and rate of air flow (2, 5, 12·5 l./hr.) were studied. Reduction of carbon dioxide concentration from 0·03 to0·01 per cent. resulted in marked stomatal opening; furtherreduction to 0·00 per cent, was accompanied by a slightbut not significant closure. These effects were found at alllight intensities and rates of flow, except at 975 f.c. with2 l./hr. air flow, where no effect of carbon dioxide concentrationwas detected. This last is attributed to excessive depletionof the carbon dioxide supply by assimilation. The apparent lowerlimit of 0·01 per cent, carbon dioxide causing maximalstomatal opening is discussed in relation to recent assimilationexperiments. Increase of light intensity caused considerable stomatal opening,this effect being as great with air of 0·00 and 0·01per cent. as with higher concentrations of carbon dioxide. Thissuggests an effect of light on stomatal movement other thanthat exerted indirectly through photosynthesis by the mesophylcells. Increased rate of flow of dry air caused closure of the stomata;this was shown to be a drying effect and was absent when moistair was used.     

Studies in Stomatal Behaviour: VII. EFFECTS OF ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS UPON STOMATAL MOVEMENT--A TEST OF WILLIAMS'S HYPOTHESIS OF STOMATAL MECHANISM

An experiment was carried out to investigate stomatal responsesin wheat to four ‘closing treatments’, viz. highcarbon dioxide concentration, darkness, dry air and nil, eachgiven under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Thus theeffect of lack of oxygen on the closing (or opening) tendencywas estimated. Changes in calculated from resistance porometer readings were used as data and reasonsare given for thinking this is the best available measure forinvestigating stomatal dynamics in wheat. Williams's hypothesisdemands that lack of oxygen should cause stomatal opening orprevent closure; the present experiment shows that anaerobicconditions significantly increase the closing tendency when‘closing treatments’ are first applied. There isalso some suggestion that oxygen-lack itself tends to causeclosure in the absence of any other ‘closing treatment’.Williams's hypothesis in its original form is thus disproved(for wheat) but the present results would be consistent withan ‘active’ uptake of water by the guard cells contributingto stomatal opening. A nearly significant interaction betweencarbon dioxide and oxygen suggests that under anaerobic conditionsa ‘closing substance’ may perhaps be formed, forexample, by the union of some intermediate in glycolysis withcarbon dioxide.     

Carbon Assimilation at Low Carbon Dioxide Levels: II. THE PROCESSES OF APPARENT ASSIMILATION

The relation of the net uptake or output of carbon dioxide bydetached leaves of Pelargonium zonale or wheat to ambient carbondioxide concentration was investigated at two or three lightintensities. The statistics of fitted curves were used as datain analysis of variance. For Pelargonium the results were consistentwith a hypothesis of a ‘straight balance’ betweena rate of photosynthetic uptake proportional to concentrationand a constant rate of respiratory production. For wheat, however,the curve was steeper near than at lower carbon dioxide levels;this disproved the ‘straight balance’ hypothesisand was consistent with an increase in carbon dioxide fixationor a reduction in output over a limited concentration rangeon either side of . The characteristics of light respiration, possibly carbon dioxidedependent, were investigated further in an experiment on theeffect of oxygen concentrationupon r values for two species(P. zonale and Hydrangea sp.) at two light intensities; theywere also studied by measuring the ‘burst’ of carbondioxide output when leaves were darkened after illuminationat four different light intensities and at two temperatures. was linearly related to oxygen tension up to 610 mm partialpressure of mercury and a fivefold increase in light intensityhad only a very small effect indicating that photoxidation wasnot important. The carbon dioxide burst on darkening showedrelations to temperature and previous light intensity quitedifferent from those of which should be proportional to lightrespiration. These results, therefore, do not support the viewthat the burst represents the persistence of an enhanced lightrespiration.     

Factors Determining Petal Colour of Baccara Roses II: THE EFFECT OF PIGMENT CONCENTRATION

‘Blueing’ in young and senescing petals was comparedin the red rose cv. Baccara. The ‘blueing’ of senescingflowers is accompanied by a bathochromic shift in the lightreflectance curve, a rise in the pH value and a decrease inthe malic acid concentration of the petal tissue. These factorsindicate that a complex with a co-pigment is produced. Similarchanges were not found in the ‘blueing’ of youngflowers, where a decrease was found in pigment concentrationper unit weight as well as per unit area of petal. A similar‘blueing’ was achieved by diluting a solution ofcrystalline cyanin. The phenomenon of ‘blueing’by dilution is discussed in the light of Bougeur's law.     

Studies on the Growth in Culture of Plant Cells: XI. THE INFLUENCE OF SHAKING RATE ON THE GROWTH OF SUSPENSION CULTUEES

The influence of shaking rates (expressed as revolutions permin) on orbital shaking platforms (1 in (2.54 cm) diam. rotarymotion) on the growth of cell suspension cultures of Acer pseudoplatanusL. and Atropa belladonna cultivar lutea Döll are described.By following cell growth and respiration and the levels of oxygenand carbon dioxide in the media during the progress of incubationit is concluded that the reduction of growth at sub-optimalshaking rates is not due to oxygen deficiency or toxic accumulationof carbon dioxide. The growth of the Atropa cell suspensionin ‘closed systems’ has been studied by the developmentof modified culture vessels and evidence obtained that the reducedgrowth in the systems is due to the formation by the culturesof an unidentified volatile growth inhibitor and not to eitheroxygen depletion or toxic accumulation of either carbon dioxideor ethylene. It is suggested that the reduced growth in ‘opensystems’ cultures at sub-optimal shaking speeds is eitherdue to retention of this volatile inhibitor or to restrictionof nutrient uptake by the existence of a stationary liquid-phaseboundary to the cells.     

Growth and Dry-weight Distribution in Callistephus chinensis as Influenced by Lighting Treatment

Plants of two cultivars of Callistephus chinensis (Queen ofthe Market and Johannistag) were grown in 8 h of daylight perday with one of the following treatments given during the 16h dark period: (a) darkness—‘uninterrupted night’,(b) I h of light in the middle of the dark period—a ‘nightbreak’, (c) I min of light in every hour of the dark period—‘cycliclighting’, (d) light throughout—‘continuouslight’. The plants receiving uninterrupted dark periods remained compactand rosetted in habit with small leaves, while leaf expansion,stem extension, and flower initiation were promoted in all threeillumination treatments (b, c, d). Although these three treatmentsproduced similar increases in leaf area, continuous light wasthe most effective for the promotion of both stem growth andflower initiation while cyclic lighting was generally more effectivethan a I-h night break. Continuous light also caused more dry matter to be divertedto stems at any given vegetative dry weight and it was shownthat the stem weight ratio of both varieties was correlatedwith stem length.     

The Growth and Carbon Economy of Selection Lines of Lolium perenne cv. S23 with Differing Rates of Dark Respiration: 1. Grown as Simulated Swards During a Regrowth Period

Simulated swards of each of two selection lines of Lolium perennecv. S23 with ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ ratesof ‘mature tissue’ respiration were establishedin growth rooms at 20/15 °C day/night temperatures and studiedover four successive regrowth periods of 46, 30, 26 and 53 daysduration. The ‘slow’ line outyielded the ‘fast’,both in harvestable shoot (above a 5 cm cut) and in root andstubble. Its advantage increased over successive regrowth periodsto 23 per cent (total biomass). Gas analysis measurements onthe entire communities (including roots), during the final regrowthperiod, showed that the ‘slow’ line had a 22–34per cent lower rate of dark respiration per unit dry weight.This enabled it to maintain its greater mass of tissue for thesame cost in terms of CO₂ efflux per unit ground area. Halfthe extra dry weight produced by the ‘slow’ line,relative to the ‘fast’, could be attributed to itsmore economic use of carbon. The rest could be traced to a 25per cent greater tiller number which enabled the ‘slow’line to expand leaf area faster (though not at a greater rateper tiller), intercept more light and fix more carbon, earlyin the regrowth period. Lolium perenne L., ryegrass, respiration, maintenance respiration, tiller production, simulated swards, canopy photosynthesis, carbon economy     

The Influence of Water Strain on the Minimum Intercellular Space Carbon dioxide Concentration {lambda} and Stomatal Movement in Wheat Leaves

Eight detached wheat leaves were each subjected to varying degreesof controlled water strain, in a specially constructed leafchamber (which is described in detail) connected to a closedsystem incorporating an infra-red gas analyser. The water strainwas varied by applying successively to their leaf sheaths twoconcentrations of mannitol solution (0·2 M. and 0·4M.) each preceded and followed by water. Conditions were maintainedconstant for light (900 f.c.), leaf temperature (25° C.)and humidity (50 per cent. RH) of the circulating air as itentered the leaf chamber. Steady-state values (gamma) of thecarbon dioxide concentration in the closed system were recordedboth for the water and mannitol treatments and the data analysedstatistically. The two mannitol treatments were found to increasegamma from 80 p.p.m. with water to 94 and 116 p.p.m. respectively,all differences being highly significant. Concomitant measurementswere made of stomata1 resistance with a porometer and of transpirationby means of wet and dry thermocouples; the stomata showed markedclosure in response to mannitol treatment (complete closurewith the higher concentration) and partial reopening with theleaf sheath in water once more, transpiration also falling andrising inversely with water strain. It is concluded that part of the closing response of wheat stomatato water strain under natural conditions must be operated byincrease in the intercellular-space carbon dioxide concentration,but a comparison with previous experimental results suggeststhat this can only be a small part unless sensitivity to carbondioxide is greatly increased by water loss. The initial response to mannitol treatment was a preliminaryopening of the stomata and a fall of about 10 per cent. in carbondioxide concentration. These results imply that under naturalconditions the preliminary opening of wheat stomata with wiltingmay be partly passive and partly active with a carbon dioxide-operatedmechanism. A subsidiary experiment with water strain varied by removingand restoring the water supply to the leaf sheath gave increasesand decreases in carbon dioxide similar to those in the mainexperiment; the results of the latter need not, therefore, beattributed to metabolism of the mannitol. It is suggested that values of gamma give a good measure ofthe efficiency of the mesophyll for net carbon dioxide absorption,with the stomatal factor eliminated, under the given conditionsand with carbon dioxide ‘limiting’ in the senseused by Maskell (1928).     

Relative Sensitivity and Tolerance of some Gladiolus Cultivars to Sulphur Dioxide

Five Gladiolus cultivars, namely ‘Aldebaran’, ‘BrightEye’, ‘Illusion’, ‘Manisha’ and‘Manmohan’, were exposed to 1 and 2 µg l^–1sulphur dioxide to test their relative-sensitivity toleranceto the pollutant Plants were fumigated experimentally for 2h daily Foliar injury symptoms were observed first in ‘Manisha’followed by ‘Aldebaran’ and ‘Illusion’at the higher dose Photosynthetic pigments and leaf extractpH were significantly decreased, particularly in ‘Manisha’and ‘Illusion’ Overall disturbances in the plantmetabolism due to SO₂ treatment led to retarded growth of plants,as evident from decreased shoot length and phytomass valuesThe order of sensitivity of the five Gladiolus cultivars toSO₂ was as follows, with the greatest first Manisha, Illusion,Aldebaran, Bright Eye, Manmohan Cultivars, Gladiolus, sensitivity, sulphur dioxide, tolerance     

Metabolic Inhibitors Block ABA-Induced Stomatal Closure

Closure of stomata of Commelina communis L. leaf epidermis causedby abscisic acid (ABA) was inhibited by sodium azide, potassiumcyanide and hypoxic conditions. Azide was more effective thancyanide at low concentrations, but the cyanide effect couldbe enhanced by addition of salicylhydroxamic acid, providingindirect evidence for cyanide-resistant respiration in epidermaltissue. Azide also inhibited ABA-induced closure of ‘isolated’ stomata and shrinkage of guard cell protoplasts.The results indicate that metabolic energy is required for ABAaction involving solute loss from the guard cells. Possiblemechanisms of action are discussed.     

The Sensitivity of Net Photosynthesis in Several Plant Species to Short-term Fumigation with Sulphur Dioxide

The effects of exposure of up to 2 h with sulphur dioxide ona range of plant species was observed by measuring changes inthe rate of net photosynthesis under closely controlled environmentalconditions. Ryegrass, Lolium perenne ‘S23’ was thespecies most sensitive to SO₂; significant inhibition was detectedat 200 nl l^–1. Fumigations at 300 nl l^–1 also inhibitedphotosynthesis in field bean (Vicia faba cv. ‘Three FoldWhite’ and ‘Blaze’) and in barley (Hordeumvulgare cv. ‘Sonja’). No effect was detected inwheat (Triticum aestivum cv. ‘Virtue’) at concentrationsup to 600 nl l^–1 SO₂, or in oil-seed rape (Brassica napuscv. ‘Rafal’) except at 800 nl l^–1 SO₂). Recoverycommenced immediately after the fumigation was terminated andwas complete within 2 h when inhibition had not exceeded 20%during the SO₂ treatment. Key words: Sulphur dioxide, short-term fumigation, photosynthesis     

Accumulation of Cytokinin-Induced Betacyanin in Specific Cells of Amaranthus tricolor Seedlings

The accumulation of betacyanin, in dark-grown Amaranthus tricolorseedlings, in response to cytokinins or red light, occurs mainlyin two specific tissues, the lower epidermal cells of the cotyledons(with the exception of guard cells), and the endodermis of thehypocotyl. The possible significance of this ‘spatialpattern of competence’ is discussed, together with theconcept of target cells in relation to plant hormones. The effect of removing exogenously supplied cytokinin at varioustimes during a 24 h induction period is reported. There is noevidence that cytokinins act by a ‘triggering’ effectwith a long half life, the response in the target cells beingthe same as that expected from the amount of cytokinin and cytokininmetabolite remaining in the tissue at the time of extraction.Either continuous presence of cytokinin is needed or any triggeraction is short lived, and continuous ‘re-triggering’is needed to achieve maximum response. Key words: Amaranthus tricolor, Betacyanin synthesis, Cytokinin action, Target cells     

The Structure and Orientation of Guard Cells in Plants Showing Stomatal Responses to Changing Vapour Pressure Difference

Transmission electron micrographs revealed that a substantialpart of the guard cell wall of both Quercus robur L. and Populusnigra ‘italica’ L. was either free of cuticle orcovered with a greatly reduced cuticular layer. In Quercus thestructure of the guard cell was such that the area of limitedcuticular development would be exposed to the evaporating powerof the atmosphere even when the stomata were closed. Lanthanumstaining confirmed that this area might be an important siteof evaporation. A similar evaporation site was identified inthe guard cell wall of Pinus sylvestris L. Light micrographsrevealed that this area could also be exposed on the outsideof the leaf when the stomata were closed. It appears that guardcell orientation with respect to the epidermal plane dependsupon epidermal turgor. Changes in orientation of the guard cellcoupled with the exact location of the cuticle-free area inthe guard cell wall may explain the nature of the stomatal responseof individual species to changing VPD and the effect of othervariables, e.g. water deficit, on this response. Quercus robur L, oak, Populus nigra L, poplar, stomata, guard cells, cuticle, evaporation, vapour pressure difference     

The Growth and Carbon Economy of Selection Lines of Lolium perenne cv. S23 with Differing Rates of Dark Respiration: 2. Grown as Young Plants from Seed

Young plants of two selection lines of Lolium perenne cv. S23with ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ rates of ‘maturetissue’ respiration were individually grown from seed,together with plants of S23, their common parent, in 9.2 cmpots in a controlled environment at 20/15 °C day/night temperatures. No significant differences were found between the genotypesin leaf extension and tiller production during this early stageof their growth. They did differ however, by an average of 26%,in the rate of dark respiration of fully expanded leaf laminae.The use of a simple model demonstrated that such a differencein respiration could alone account for the different rates ofdry matter production shown by the selection lines when grownas young crops from seed. Possible penalties of ‘slow’respiration are also considered. Lolium perenne L., ryegrass, respiration, maintenance respiration, stimulated swards, leaf growth, tiller production, carbon economy     

Leaf Characteristics and Net Gas Exchange of Diploid and Autotetraploid Citrus

The effect of tetraploidy on leaf characteristics and net gasexchange was studied in diploid (2x ) and autotetraploid (4x) ‘Valencia’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.)Osb.) and ‘Femminello’ lemon (Citrus limon (L.)Burm. f.) leaves. Comparisons between ploidy levels were madeunder high irradiance (I) in a growth chamber or low total Iin a glasshouse. Tetraploids of both species had thicker leaves,larger mesophyll cell volume and lower light transmittance thandiploids regardless of growth I. Mesophyll surface area perunit leaf area of 2x leaves was 5–15% greater than on4x leaves. Leaf thickness and mesophyll cell volume were greaterin high I leaves than low I leaves. In high I, average leafarea was similar for 2x and 4x leaves, whereas in low I it was30% greater in 4x than in 2x leaves. Nitrogen and chlorophyllconcentration per cell increased with ploidy level in both growthconditions. The ratio of chlorophyll a:b was 25% greater in2x than in 4x leaves. When net CO₂assimilation rate (A_CO2) wasbased on leaf area, 4x orange leaves had 24–35% lowerA_CO2than their diploids. There were no significant differencesin A_CO2between 2x and 4x orange or lemon leaves when expressedon a per cell basis. Overall, lower A_CO2per unit leaf area oftetraploids was related to increase in leaf thickness, largermesophyll cell volume, the decrease in mesophyll area exposedto internal air spaces, and the lower ratio between cell surfaceto cell volume. Such changes probably increased the resistanceto CO₂diffusion to the site of carboyxlation in the chloroplasts. Cell volume; chlorophyll; irradiance; leaf thickness; nitrogen; photosynthesis; ploidy; Citrus limon ; C. sinensis ; ‘Valencia’ sweet orange; ‘Femminello’ lemon     

Analysis of a Juvenile-like Condition Affecting Flowering in the Black Currant (Ribes nigrum)

Rooted shoots of the black currant with fewer than 20 nodes,taken from mature bushes, cannot be induced to initiate flowersby short-day treatment. This ‘juvenile’ conditionhas been shown to be unrelated to ‘size’ attributes,such as leaf area, but is associated with the proximity of theshoot tips to the roots. Aerial rooting on long ‘mature’shoots prevents flower initiation. Gibberellic acid applicationprevents flowering in mature shoots, as do high levels of IBA.Cytokinins have no effect. Abscisic acid and CCC applicationgave some promotion of flowering in long shoots in long-day,but did not overcome the ‘juvenility’ of short shoots.Gibberellin assay reveals activity in the roots and lower partsof stems, while none could be detected in the tops of long shoots.It is suggested that the correlation between shoot length andgibberellin activity may be decisive in determining juvenilityin the black currant and possibly other species.     

Integrated Analysis of Growth and Light Interception in Winter Lettuce II. Differences between Cultivars

‘Integrated growth analysis’ (emphasizing aspectsof crop and plant structure) and ‘light conversion analysis’(stressing the efficiency of interception and photosyntheticconversion of light) have been used to investigate the wintergrowth of different cultivars of butterhead and crisphead typesof glasshouse lettuce. Measurements from ‘Ambassador’ (large-framed butterhead),‘Renate’ (medium-sized butterhead) and ‘Cristallo’(crisphead) were made, statistical progressions were fittedto the primary data and hence estimates of all the analyticalcomponents were derived. Curves for crop growth rate, like those for most other components,followed a generally similar pattern for all three cultivars.In integrated growth analysis, the biomass curve for Ambassadorlay above the curves for the other cultivars. The weight advantagewas initially 60 per cent and it persisted with only a smallreduction (to 40 per cent) until the final harvest. Relativegrowth rate varied little between cultivars because differencesobserved in leaf area ratio were complementary to those seenin net assimilation rate. In light conversion analysis, differences in light interceptingefficiency between cultivars were not statistically significant,though Ambassador attained full interception 4 days earlierthan Renate and 6 days earlier than Cristallo. Differences inlight utilizing efficiency were small and non-significant exceptduring the post-rosette stage when the value for Renate waslower than that of either Ambassador or Cristallo. Deviationsaround the fitted curves were correlated with fluctuations inthe light regime. An assessment is made of the utility and limitations of thetwo procedures. It is concluded that both approaches can assistin analyzing the rate of dry matter production in crops or plantstands. Integrated growth analysis is advantageous when theneed arises to treat individual and population-based attributessimultaneously, while light conversion analysis provides a meansof explicitly incorporating the primary environmental variableinfluencing growth. Lactuca sativa L., lettuce cultivars, growth analysis, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, light interception, light utilization     

THE EFFECT OF DARKENING ON THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF PLANTS TO INFECTION WITH VIRUSES

The susceptibility of French bean plants to infection by the Rothamsted strain of tobacco necrosis virus as measured by the local-lesion method is increased by a rise in temperature and usually by darkening the plant before inoculation. If part only of a leaf is darkened, that part becomes more susceptible. Plants in full light also become more susceptible if carbon dioxide is removed from the air, whereas the susceptibility of plants in the dark is not altered.
Darkening leaves decreases their content of malic, fumaric, succinic and glycolic acids and increases the content of citric acid; the content of oxalic and malonic acids remains constant. These changes occurred in winter and summer and whether or not darkening increased susceptibility.
The effect on susceptibility of individual acids infiltrated into the leaf was measured in leaves kept in the light or in the dark before inoculation. None of the acids used produced any large change in susceptibility.