Partitioning of 14C-assimilate between sources and sinks in the monopodial orchid Aranda Tay Swee Eng

Abstract

Aranda Tay Swee Eng, an orchid hybrid with monopodial growth habit, has a highly integrated source-sink assimilate partitioning pattern. The current inflorescence receives assimilate from many rather than a few leaves, the vegetative apical shoot competes with the inflorescence for assimilate supply in the upper shoot, and the fully-expanded leaves themselves constitute a major sink for assimilate. Implications of these findings for improvement of harvestable yield in monopodial orchids are discussed. © 1992.