Physiological and Morphological Studies on the Potato Plants : Part 19. Studies on the localization of the respiratory activities in potato tubers

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to clarify the localization of respiratory activities in the varied tissues of potato tubers during the storage period, with a desire to narrowing the problem concerning the physiological relation between the dormancy and the role of the apical buds of potato tubers. The experimental results obtained may be summarized as follows; 1. During the rest period, the respiratory activities of all of the varied tissues of the tubers declined gradually. At the termination of the rest period, however, only the respiratory activities in the apical buds of the tubers increased remarkably, while those of the other tissues of the tubers followed by a more hesitant fall thereafter. 2. As the results of treatments of the tubers wit h MH, Bervitan K and NAA, a conspicuous depression of the respiratory activities of the apical buds was recognized. On the contrary, when the tubers were stored under cold conditions, not only the respiratory activities of the apical buds, but also such activities of the other tissues of the tubers increased remarkably. 3. The data obtained in the present investigation may add further support to our previous assumption, that the apical buds of the potato tubers may play some important role in the dormancy of potato tubers.