PATTERNS OF CARBON ALLOCATION IN AN ARCTIC TUNDRA GRASS, DUPONTIA FISCHERI (GRAMINEAE), AT BARROW, ALASKA

Abstract

In Dupontia fischeri R. Br. the pattern of translocation of photosynthetically incorporated 14C was established within six hr after treatment in situ at Barrow, Alaska. More radiocarbon went to younger rather than older tillers. The most effective sinks were root, lateral root, and rhizome primordia and nonemergent tillers which were actively growing. Substantial amounts of radiocarbon appeared in the stem base and rhizome of the treated tiller. Although relatively little appeared in other plant parts, except for the sinks mentioned above, interdependence of tillers appeared to be maintained until flowering occurred. This pattern of distribution was established early in the season once the soil thawed, and growth began and was maintained until mid‐August. Some translocation to active growth centers occurred even while the soil was thawing. Redistribution of radiocarbon to new root and leaf tissues produced after the time of treatment was observed. There was no autoradiographic evidence during the season to indicate storage of large amounts of mobilizable photosynthate in the stem base or rhizome of a tiller at the time these field studies were carried out.