EFFECTS OF EXFLORATION ON PLANT METABOLISM

Abstract

Soy beans (Ito San var.) did not respond to exfloration as do most other plants. Exfloration did not increase the vegetative development of the soy bean. Growth was inhibited directly by the shortening of the day length rather than indirectly through the act of fruiting. A very large reserve of carbohydrates accumulated in exflorated plants but the intake of N and minerals was curtailed by the prevention of fruit development. Cessation of growth in both exflorated and normal soy bean plants was accompanied by a decrease in the moisture content and also in the % of K in all parts of the stems and leaves.