Phosphate Uptake and Distribution in Bush Bean Plants as Affected by Foliar Application of Naphthenate1

Abstract

AbstractA 0.5% solution of potassium naphthenates (KNap) was applied to the foliage of hydroponically grown 14‐ day‐old bush bean (Phaseolus vuigaris L., cultivar ‘Top Crop’) plants to determine the effect of this chemical mixture on the uptake and distribution of root‐fed 32P among leaf blade, stem, and root tissues. The plants were grown in eiither a phosphate‐free (−P plants) or a complete nutrient solution. The uptake of 32P was not changed by KNap treatment. The percentage distribution of 32P among the various plant organs, however, was markedly affected by the presence or absence of phosphate in the nutrient solution and by treatment. The enhanced translocation of 32P observed, especially in −P plants, may be associated in a casual way with the characteristic stimulation of metabolic processes in the aerial portions of naphthenate‐treated plants.