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The Effect of Simulated Caterpillar Damage on CO 2 Fixation and Translocation in Banana Leaves
Author(s) -
Johnson Barbara E.,
Brun W. A.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
physiologia plantarum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.351
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1399-3054
pISSN - 0031-9317
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3054.1966.tb07033.x
Subject(s) - caterpillar , chromosomal translocation , photosynthesis , biology , botany , horticulture , larva , gene , biochemistry
A study was undertaken to see how a small hole in a leaf such as caused by a feeding caterpillar will influence photosynthesis and translocation in the remaining leaf tissue. Banana leaves were exposed to C 14 O 2 at various intervals before and after holes were made in the leaves with a cork borer. Radioautographs were taken to study the extent of CO 2 fixation and translocation. Results show that photosynthesis is impaired for only 24 hours. Downward translocation is affected for 48 hours. Caterpillar damage of small areas does not seem to affect normal leaf functions beyond these time limits.