The effect of fertilizers on the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, protease, and pectase in healthy tobacco leaves

Abstract

The effect of supplements of N and P on the N and P content of leaf fractions of healthy pot-grown tobacco was detd. Expts. were carried out in 5 sets, each including 8 different fertilizer treatments on groups of 5 plants. The effect of N and P on the levels of 2 enzymes, pectase and protease, was also determined on the same material. P increases the non-protein, or carbohydrate, components of the leaf, while N increases the protein components. N increases pectase levels, while P decreases them. The reverse is true for protease. It is suggested that this may indicate the presence of different paths for the synthesis and breakdown of both pectin and protein.