Control of the development of iron-efficiency reactions in potato as a response to iron deficiency is located in the roots.

Roots of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum cv Bintje) growing on low Fe nutrient solution developed the characteristic Fe efficiency reactions, such as high ferric reductase activity, proton extrusion and increased root hair formation. Roots from a tuber with sprout removed, when grown on Fe-free nutrient solution, also expressed these reactions; transfer to iron-containing medium resulted in their complete disappearance within 10 days. Roots growing on 2% sucrose in sterile Murashige-Skoog medium increased their ferric reductase activity upon withholding Fe and formed transfer cells. It is concluded that potato roots themselves control the development of Fe-efficiency reactions, and that the shoot may exert a modulating influence on their expression.