EFFECT OF LEAF AGE AND SHADING ON THE MOVEMENT OF 14C THROUGH A SOYBEAN LEAF
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of leaf age and shading on the movement of 14C assimilates through soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) leaves. Leaves on plants at initial bloom and mid-podfill were pulse-labelled with 14CO2 for 2 min and the distribution of 14C in the leaf was followed for 24 h. Initially, 90% of the 14C activity was in the 80% ethanol-soluble fraction; this decreased rapidly, and by 7 h after labeling only 10% of the initial activity was in this fraction. The 14C in starch and perchloric-acid-soluble fractions increased to a maximum level (approx. 30% of initial activity) 30 min after labeling and declined slowly over the rest of the period. After 24 h, approximately 80% of the 14C had moved out of the leaf. There was no effect of leaf age on the pattern of movement of 14C through the leaf. Completely shading the plant immediately after labeling resulted in a rapid cessation (within 30 mm) of 14C movement into starch with an accompanying retention of 14C in the 80% ethanol-soluble fraction.