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A Mechanism for Premature Parenchyma Breakdown in Corn (Zea Mays Lt .)¹

Research was initiated to find possible mechanisms causing premature breakdown of parenchyma in the lower third of K-deficient corn stalks. Three possible mechanisms were postulated. These were: cell wall deterioration, excessive translocation of carbohydrate from storage tissue due to the polarizing effect of the ear, and inhibition of protein synthesis. As a result of fractionation of carbohydrate and nitrogenous components and other experiments with K-deficient and -sufficient corn, it is proposed that the major phenomenocna using parenchymab reakdownis probably the translocation of compounds from the stalk to the ear. This breakdown does not occur unless an ear is present on the plant, therefore, it is proposedt hat translocation of materials front the stalk to the ear is necessary for the breakdown to take place.

Key Words: potassium deficiency • cell wall deterioration • carbohydrate fraction • nitrogen fraction • senescence>

² Formerly Research assistant (now Agronomist, Standard Fruit Co., La Ceiba, Honduras), Assistant Professor (now Agronomist International Mineral and Chemical Co.), and Associate Professor, respectively, University of Wisconsin.

Received for publication February 19, 1968.