Physiological Studies of the Growing Process of Broad Bean Plants : II. On the relations between the variations of chemical components in the tops and roots during the growing period

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to obtain some informations concerning the relations between the variations of carbohydrate and nitrogen contents in the tops and roots of broad bean plants during the entire growing period, using the variety "Sanuki-Nagasaya" as material. The results obtained may be summarized as follows : 1. In winter, the top growth was not remarkable and the root growth was considerably vigorous. But in spring, the former which was accompanied with flowering surpassed the latter, moreover, the root nodules began to collapse at the flowering stage. 2. In the tops, the carbohydrate and nitrogen contents was high at the early stage of growth, then decreased as the growth advanced, finally increased at the maturing stage. 3. In the roots, high sugar contents at the early stage related to the subsequent growth of the tops, roots and root nodules, besides, high starch contents at the maturing stage owed to the assimilates of the tops. On the other hand, high nitrogen contents especially high protein-N contents at almost all of the growing period related to the action of bacteroid and the collapse of the root nodules.