Light on phloem transport (an MRI approach)

Light on phloem transport (an MRI approach)

This thesis aims to answer the question whether phloem transport can be a limiting factor for photosynthesis efficiency (and ultimately causing a bottleneck towards
achieving higher yields). To answer this key question, we manipulated the source: sink ratio within tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) while measuring phloem
transport with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) flowmetry. Additionally we compared phloem flow characteristics of two potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) which differed in source : sink ratio. In Chapter 2, the source strength was manipulated by varying the light intensity. An increase in phloem sap volume flow under higher light intensities was observed. However, under all light intensities applied, the phloem flow velocity was found to be constant (as has
previously been suggested in other studies) although a clear diurnal pattern was observed. This finding does not fit in current models to describe the mechanism of
phloem transport and a different mechanism must be at play. The results of this chapter demonstrate that increased levels of photo-assimilates are transported in
sieve tubes, which are activated when needed by the plant. This is the first study which shows that plants activate individual sieve tubes when more photoassimilates are available, yet maintain constant velocity. Those observations were in a tomato plant with pruned fruit trusses (i.e., in a simplified system).