Translocation and redistribution of 14CO2-photosynthates assimilated in winter leaves in the young tea plant

Using two years old plants of cultivar Yabukita, 14CO2 was applied and accumulated into them by photosynthesis on December 16, 1976, then samples were taken in course of time, and the translocation, accumulation and redistribution of the 14C products were investigated. Within 24 hours after the assimilation of 14CO2, about 24% of 14C was consumed by respiration. Then, the total amount of 14C slightly decreased until two weeks before the beginning of bud opening. In first crop season, about 60% of the remaining 14C decreased rapidly with the growth of new shoots. This might be caused by the respiration in respective organs and the defoliation of old leaves. The decrease in second crop season was slight. Just after the assimilation of 14CO2, more than 99% was found in the parts above the ground (93% in leaves), and its 90% was ethanol of soluble state. Thereafter, it translocated to storage organs (trunk and roots) in course of time, and a part was taken into the insoluble fraction of ethanol. Most of the insoluble fraction was storage hydrocarbon such as starch. The intake into new shoots was 14% of the remaining 14C in case of first crop, but extremely small in second crop. Some more results are reported. (Kako, I.)