2022 Volume 60 Issue 1 Pages 39-42
In order to analyze the carbon partitioning characteristics of different organs (leaf, bulb, and root) of Chinese chive and their dependence on leaf growth stage, we applied the 13C-labelled tracer method to plants grown at two growth stages (mature and immature) in a commercial, soil-based greenhouse. The 13C concentration of plants sampled just before harvest was almost similar among the three organs, indicating a strong dependence of the 13C content on the dry weight of the respective organs. As a result, the 13C partitioning ratios for the leaf, bulb, and root were calculated as 43%, 17%, and 40%, respectively. On the other hand, the 13C concentration was slightly higher in the leaves of immature plants compared to the bulbs and roots. Therefore, the ratio of the 13C concentrations of the underground (bulbs and roots) to shoot organs (leaves) was significantly lower for the immature plants compared to mature plants. These results suggest that carbon is more effectively distributed in the leaf compared to the bulb or root of immature plants owing to active leaf growth. Thus, the characteristics of carbon partitioning in Chinese chive varied depending on the stage of leaf growth.
