14C-labeling technique for discerning source–sink carbon flow dynamics in kinnow (Citrus nobilis Lour × Citrus deliciosa Tenora) for better crop management

Abstract

Assessment of contribution of source towards sink development is very important for deciding pruning intensity and fruit load. In the present study, 14C-sucrose was used as a tracer to study source–sink carbon flow dynamics in Kinnow, for which branches having one or two fruits were selected and leaves at the proximal or distal position, to the fruit-sink, were tagged. 14C accumulation results reveal that the sink-fruit is capable of drawing the photoassimilates from the source-leaves, irrespective of later’s position “proximal or distal” on the supporting branch and that heavy pruning is not a healthy practice for Kinnow since the main branch serves as the source of photoassimilate reserves.