Foliar absorption of radioactive phosphorus and its liberation by roots of maize

Abstract

The initial aim of this work was to study in maize how foliar uptake of inorganic phosphorus, using the radioactive isotope ³²p , was affected by various factors. As such, the most important aspect of the study was evaluation of the percentage absorption by the leaf under specified conditions. Maize leaves, when young, possess a narrow uneven surface which is difficult for precise handling of liquids. This section thus deals with investigations which led to the development of a technique suitable for foliar applioation of ³²p to maize. The original project was extended to a study of the liberation of foliar absorbed ³²p from roots. This was a more profitable study, involving foliar absorption, translocation, metabolism and liberation from roots.