SUMMARYThe distribution of ''C-assimilate from single leaves on the main stolon and hranch stolons was investigated at difterent stages of plant development in a small-leaved wild genotype of Trifolium repeiis. A widespread distribution pattern was observed with assimilate mox'ing from source leaves to all plant parts, with the elosest sinks receiving the greatest proportion of assimilate. A high proportion of assimilate was translocated to the branch stolon originating at the same node as the '''C-treated leaf, thus indicating a close vascular linkage between source and sink. Branch stolons were shown to import and export simultaneously large quantities of assimilate at all stages of development investigated. Overall the pattern of assimilate distribution on the main stolon and from equivalent positioned leaves on a basally positioned branch stolon was very similar at all stages of plant development. The high degree of clonal integration and reciprocal assimilate exchange in 7'. repeiis are discussed in relation to growth in pastures.
The distribution of ^'P from single nodal roots, and the consequences of nodal rooting on local growth characteristics were investigated in order to evaluate the iniponance of nodal rooting in Trifolium repens. The movement of radiophosphate was mostly acropetal. and the principal sinks were the closest components to the supplied root. The branch stolon originating from the same nodt as the root was the most significant sink, and its importance as a sink increased the older and larger it became. Nodal rooting on the mam stolon resulted in a localized increase in secondary branching on the primary hranch originating from the same node. The results are discussed in terms of phy.sioJogicaJ integration m T. repens and other clonal plants.
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