Position of Source Leaf Affects Translocation and Distribution of Photo-Assimilates in Tomato

The relationship between source leaf position and photo-assimilate translocation and distribution was characterized for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) grown in the greenhouse. Three different positions of source leaf on the stem (first node above or below the first fruit cluster and $5^{th}$ node above the first fruit cluster) were tested for their influence on $^{14}CO_2$ assimilation and transfer to different parts of the plant. The leaves at the $5^{th}$ node above the first fruit cluster transferred the highest (57%) proportion of $C^{14}$ to other plant parts, followed by leaves home on the first node below the first fruit cluster (50%), and the first node above the first fruit cluster (39%). In all treatments, fruits served as the strongest sink for $C^{14}$, followed by stem, leaf, and root tissues. The leaf home on the $5^{th}$ node above the first fruit cluster transferred the largest amount of $C^{14}$ to the second fruit cluster.