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Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 51, No. 353, pp. 2009-2020, December 2000
© 2000 Oxford University Press

Original Papers

Using 1H magnetic resonance imaging and complementary analytical techniques to characterize developmental changes in the Zantedeschia Spreng. tuber

A. Robinson1, C.J. Clark2 and J. Clemens1,3

1 Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
2 The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, Private Bag 11 030, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complementary analytical techniques were used to examine tissue structure and developmental changes occurring during active growth in the root tuber of Zantedeschia Spreng. cv. Chianti, a commercially significant cut flower. Plants were observed during the period of leaf senescence and tuberization at the end of the first growth cycle of micropropagated plantlets and, following cool storage to break endodormancy, during development occurring after the replanting of ecodormant tubers. MRI distinguished two distinct regions within the tuber, and the differences in the binding state of water in the two regions were reflected in differences in tissue morphology and function. An abundance of free water was observed in tissue comprised of large parenchyma cells, at the base of the tuber. This tissue appeared to be involved in maintaining the viability of the plant during the period of dormancy, a function indicated primarily by increased metabolic activity in this tissue during dormancy, and reduced metabolic activity during periods of active growth. In contrast, water was more tightly bound in tissue comprised of small parenchyma cells. This tissue appeared to operate as a region for dynamic carbohydrate storage. The initial increase in the free water content of this tissue during the growth phase was linked to the mobilization of starch during canopy development. The subsequent decrease in free water in the remainder of the growth period was linked to the reaccumulation of starch while the tuber functioned as a sink for photosynthate prior to canopy senescence.

Key words: Dormancy, MRI, tuberization, Zantedeschia, calla.


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