Carbohydrate Utilization as a Factor in Plant Growth

Abstract

The growth of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) was studied over a period of 13 days. The dry weights of the principal organs, leaf areas, and soluble sugar contents of selected leaves were determined on four occasions. Removal of tubers 21 days after the commencement of tuber initiation reduced the absolute growth rates and net assimilation rates of the plants. It is suggested that the assimilation of plants under high light intensities may be restricted by their ability to utilize or store products of photosynthesis.