A relationship between free amino acid and nickel contents in leaves and seeds ofAlyssum bertolonii

Summary Data are given on the aqueous acetone—soluble (free) amino acid composition and total nickel contents of leaves of wild and cultivatedAlyssum bertolonii and of seeds produced by the former. Leaves of the wild plants show a direct relationship between their total free amino acid N and Ni contents. These are highest in February, show a decrease in June and increase again by October. It is inferred that variations in the Ni uptake and free amino acid contents are functions of seasonal factors. Leaves of cultivated plants showed the lowest Ni content but the highest free amino acid content illustrating the influence of environmental factors.