Abstract
To investigate C and N metabolisms in response to potassium-deficient stress during regrowth of Italian ryegrass(Lolium multiflorum L.), C and N metabolites were analyzed at day 0 (cutting date), 6, 12 and 24 days after defoliation. K-sufficient (control, +K) and K-absent (-K) nutrition solutions were applied from 7 days before defoliation, and continued for one cycle of 24 days-regrowth period. During 24 days of regrowth dry matter of regrowing shoots and remaining tissues were not significantly different between +K and -K treatment. In remaining stubble, all C compounds in both +K and -K treatment largely decreased (69% to 84% of the initial level) during the first 6 days of regrowth, and then rapidly recovered. The decline of soluble sugars and fructan in roots for the first 6 days much less in the -K medium. Amino acids, soluble and insoluble proteins in stubble also feel down during the first 6 days, thereafter actively replenished in both +K and -K treatment. The decline of nitrate in stubble prolonged to 12 days of regrowth. Initial amounts of all N compounds in roots were significantly lower in the -K medium. Higher accumulation of amino acids and soluble protein in roots in the -K medium was observed after 12 days of regrowth. In regrowing shoots, 3 all carbohydrates increased with a very similar pattern for both treatments. Nitrate was not significantly different between two treatments. Depress of soluble protein accumulation in -K medium was noteworthy after 12 days of regrowth. These results indicated that an active utilization of organic reserves occurred to support regrowth even under K deficient condition with a similar extent with K sufficient condition.
