Leaf-root interaction is a critical factor for plant growth during maturation and activity of roots is maintained by a sufficient supply of photosynthates. To explain photosynthate distribution among organs in field crops, the node unit hypothesis is proposed. One node unit consists of a leaf and an upper adventitous root, as well as the axillary organs and the lower adventitious root, which is adjacent to one node. Using 14C as tracer, the carbon distribution system has been clarified using spring wheat, soybean, tomato, and potato. The interrelationship among organs from the strongest to the weakest is in the following order: (1) within the node unit > (2) between the node unit in the same or adjacent phyllotaxy > (3) in the main root or apical organs, which are adjacent to the node unit. Within the node unit, 14C assimilated in the leaf on the main stem tended to distribute to axillary organs in the same node unit. The 14C assimilated in the leaf of axillary organs tended to distribute within the axillary organs, including adventitious roots in the axillary organ and then translocated to the leaf on the main leaf of the same node unit. In different organs of the node unit in the same or adjacent phyllotaxy, 14C assimilated in the leaf on the main stem was also distributed to the organs (node unit) belonging to the same phyllotaxy in dicotyledons, while in monocotyledons, the effect of phyllotaxy on 14C distribution was not clear. Among roots/apical organs and node unit, 14C assimilated in the upper node unit was distributed to apical organs and 14C assimilated in the lower node unit was distributed to roots. Thus the node unit hypothesis of photosynthate distribution among organs is very important for understanding the high productivity of field crops. and M. Osaki ... [et al.].
Ontogenetic changes of rates of photon-saturated photosynthesis (Psat) and dark respiration (RD) of individual leaves were examined in relation to nitrogen content (Nc) in rice, winter wheat, maize, soybean, field bean, tomato, potato, and beet. Psat was positively correlated with Nc as follows: Psat = CfNc + Psat0, where Cf and Psat0 are coefficients. The value of Cf was high in maize, medium in rice and soybean, and low in field bean, potato, tomato, and beet, of which difference was not explained by ribulose-1,5-bisphoshate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPCO) content. RD was explained by Psat and/or Nc, however, two models must be applied according to plant species. RD related linearly with Psat and Nc in maize, field bean, and potato as follows: RD = a Psat + b, or RD = a'Nc + b', where a, a', b and b' are coefficients. In other species, the RD/Psat ratio increased exponentially with the decrease of Nc as follows: RD/Psat = a exp(b Nc), where a and b are coefficients. Therefore, RD in these crops was expressed as follows: In(RD) = ln(a Psat) + b Nc, indicating that RD in these crops was regulated by both Psat and Nc. and M. Osaki ... [et al.].