THE RÔLE OF POTASSIUM IN PLANTS

Abstract

Rutgers tomato seedlings were grown in sand culture with 0, 44, 175, and 350 p.pm. of K. The minus-K plants at first accumulated high concs, of carbohydrates as compared to the other series. The carbohydrate conc, in these plants finally fell to a very low value, and was associated with low protein and high soluble organic N cones. The accumulation and decrease of carbohydrates in the K-deficient plants were accompanied by well-defined external deficiency symptoms. The plants receiving 44 p.p.m. of K were the optimum series as judged by fresh and dry weights and carbohydrate con tent.