Phosphorus Metabolism of Trifolium Hirtum All. As Affected by 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and Gibberellic Acid

Abstract

Fifty [mu]g of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or gibberellic acid/plant applied as a spray caused a striking increase in acid soluble organic phosphorus and a concurrent decrease in inorganic phosphorus in petioles and stems as quickly as 1 minute after treatment. Leaves showed this effect after 2,4-D, but not after gibberellic acid treatment. Five [mu]g/plant caused this effect only in petioles and stems of plants treated with either regulator. In leaves of plants treated with 500 [mu]g 2,4-D, there was a definite time lapse before increases in acid soluble organic phosphorus were shown, while in petioles and stems this rate of either compound caused a reduction in this fraction. The data leave little doubt that the action of these growth regulators is closely related to phosphorus metabolism.