Field studies on 14C assimilate fixation and movement in oil-seed rape (B. napus)

Abstract

SummaryThe roles of leaves, stems and reproductive parts in 14CO2 fixation and its subsequent movement in winter oil-seed rape, cultivar Jet Neuf, were investigated in two field experiments carried out on the Wye College Farm. The relative importance of these organs changed with time. At early flowering the leaves were the most important photosynthetic organs (66·8% 14CO2 activity). Midway between flowering and maturity the stems became the major supplier of photosynthates, a role eventually taken over by the developing siliquae (pods).These data stress the importance of keeping all photosynthetically active surfaces free from disease if efficient resource utilization and higher yields are to be achieved.