Patterns of translocation and metabolism of (14)C-labelled IAA in the phloem of Willow.

When 2-(14)-C-labelled IAA was applied to an isolated segment of Willow via a bark abrasion the pathway of transport of this compound was found to be located in the sieve elements as evidenced by the pattern of activity found in honeydew excreted by individuals of Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin) feeding on the segment.Further experiments have established that polarity of transport of (14)C-IAA occurs in a basipetal direction when isolated segments of willow are orientated in a vertical position, with the morphological apex uppermost. No polarity was found when segments were orientated in a vertical position with the morphological base uppermost, or when the segments were orientated in a horizontal position. The metabolism of (14)C-IAA was also studied with respect to orientation. It was shown that the conversion rate of IAA to IAA aspartate was influenced by the orientation of the segment. It is considered that this is not a direct effect of orientation on the rate of metabolism of IAA.