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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #70195
Title: STALK SENESCENCE, SUGARS, PROTEINS, AND MINERALS IN STALKS OF A SUPERSWEET CORN AT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

Author
item ROBERTS, K - SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
item WILLIAMSON, J - SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
item WRIGHT, J - SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
item BILES, C - EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
item Russo, Vincent

Submitted to: American Society of Horticulture Science Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/8/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This study was conducted to determine how senescence and composition of minerals, sugars and proteins change in stalk internodes of a shrunken2 sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cv. Illini Gold, as it develops from mid-whorl (V9; internodes completely juvenile) to fresh-market maturity (FM; internodes exhibiting stages of senescence). Senescence was rated in internodes near the base of the stalk (I7), just below the ear (I9), and between the ear and tassel (I11). Tissues were extracted and analyzed by carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance (C-nmr) spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and for mineral content. Senescence rating increased from V9 to FM. Levels of minerals did not change, decreased, or fluctuate in the internodes. Through silk emergence (R1) C-nmr spectra were similar regardless of internode with lines being between approx. 61 to approx. 104 ppm of hertz. At FM additional lines were found upfield, but this compound dhas not been ident-ified. Mole fractions and concentrations of glucose, fructose and sucrose were determined. Concentration of saccarides were highest for sucrose at R1, fructose at tasseling (VT) and R1, and glucose from VT. Through R1, density of protein bands between 33 and 143 Kda increased in I7, but at FM these proteins were not present. In I9 density of these bands increased through FM. In I11 numbers, or density, of protein bands decreased through FM. Levels of N, Cl, or Na at VT, R1, and FM, respectively, were negatively correlated with senescence. In I7 and I9 senescence ratings were negatively correlated with levels of Mg, NO3, or SO4. Senescence appears to be associated with concentrations of some minerals and with the presence or absence of some proteins.