Abstract
Pepper plants were grown hydroponically, and distribution of dry matter between roots, stem, leaves and fruits was followed through the juvenile and fruit-growth phases. In 3 of the 4 experimental treatments, branching was unrestricted and 0, 1 and 3 fruits per plant, respectively, were permitted to develop. In the fourth treatment, branching was restricted to 2 main shoots and 3 fruits were allowed to develop. Increased sink load due to more fruits changed the dry matter distribution between the vegetative parts, so that less dry matter was directed into the stem and more into the leaves. Root dry matter percentage was unaffected by fruit load. As plants became generative, a steady decrease in root dry matter percentage was observed. Restriction of branching diminished this decrease as compared to unrestricted plants. In the latter stages of development, the restriction of branching had an effect comparable to increased sink load. A close relationship between growth of roots and vegetative top parts indicated that a functional equilibrium between root and top exists in pepper plants. This relationship changed as plants entered the generative growth phase. However, the change was independent of the development of fruits. The results are discussed in relation to source-sink strengths and functional equilibrium. The existence of an alternative method of regulation of dry matter distribution is suggested.
Published Version
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