Translocation of 14C-Labelled Substances and 32PO4 in Mistletoe-Infected and Uninfected Conifers and Dicotyledonous Trees

Translocation studies, employing autoradiographic techniques, were conducted on eight dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium) infected hosts and eight green mistletoe (Phoradendron) infected hosts and uninfected hosts. These studies were conducted in the field at different seasons of the year over a 4-yr period. It was necessary to overcome the problem of pseudo-autoradiographs, especially prominent with conifers. These were overcome by using special film materials, such as Saran Wrap; this film excluded about 50% of the beta radiation. Translocation was studied using labelled substances applied to the host foliage, bark, wood, and mistletoe shoots. Labelled substances employed were 14CO2 (applied to host foliage and mistletoe shoots), 14C-labelled herbicides and 32PO4. Phloem mobile substances translocated from the hosts into infecting dwarf mistletoes but not into green mistletoes. When the host branches were defoliated, phloem mobile Substances moved into them during the growing season. When dormant, very little transport into defoliated branches occurred, except when they were infected with dwarf mistletoes; in the latter situation, import was considerable into such branches and also into the infecting mistletoes. Phloem mobile substances in dwarf mistletoes migrated always in an apical direction, accumulating in the nodes, flowers, and fruit. In no instance was there any evidence of any basipetal transport (labelled assimilates 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2, 4, 5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 3-amino-1, 2,4-triazole, 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1, 3, 5-triazine, 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4',-bipyridylium-2A, urea and 32PO4). In contrast to this, the green mistletoes moved substances within them in much the same manner as normal green plants; however, phloem mobile substances did not migrate significantly out of the endophytic system into the hosts, even when the host branches were defoliated. Xylem application was the most effective method of introducing all substances (other than assimilates) into dwarf and green mistletoes. High relative humidity greatly favoured the uptake and transport of amitrole in Abies concolor but not of 2,4-D. 32PO4 was poorly absorbed by Pinus sabiniana unless the leaves were scraped before application. Phloem transport occurred at all seasons in evergreen conifers and in evergreen dicotyledonous trees. (author)