The Utilization of Root Organic Compounds During the Regeneration of Lucerne

Abstract

Organic compounds in the roots of lucerne, labelled with 14C following the assimilation of 14C02 by the shoots 1 day prior to complete herbage removal, were subsequently lost from the roots either through respiration or translocation into new shoots for about the first 20 days of regeneration. The majority of the compounds used in these two processes were derived from the tap-root. Autoradiography revealed that compounds labelled with 14C 10 days prior to herbage removal were translocated from the roots into the new shoots.