The growth and development of pods and seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris are described by the following parameters: fresh and dry weight, length, ratio of fresh weight to length and nitrogen content. Pod and seed development are independent and sequential. Pod photosynthesis contributes only marginally to pod development, but may be significant in refixing CO2 released in respiration. Pods and seeds do not seem to act simply as competing sinks. Nitrogen accumulation in the seeds begins only when it has ceased in the pods. Ways in which regulation may be achieved are discussed. Manipulation of nitrogen fertilization to enhance seed growth is suggested.
Radioactive sucrose supplied to growing bean pods via the transpiration stream is metabolically available and appears in various cell fractions including proteins and cell wall material. Sucrose distribution between pod and seed tissue depended on the stage of fruit development.
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