A study was undertaken to determine the seasonal dynamics of leaf and fruit K content and the influence of tree K status and fruit growth on leaf and fruit K accumulation rates in French prune (Prunus domestics L. cv. d'Agen). Mature trees in a commercial orchard were treated with various rates of K2 SO4. (O to ≈20 kg/tree) in the fall. Fruit dry weight yield per tree at harvest and fruit K content were higher for high-K trees, but fruit percent K (by dry weight) was ≈1.0% for all trees. Leaf scorch and subsequent abscission severely reduced the canopy of K-deficient trees. Significant positive linear relationships between leaf and fruit K accumulation rates existed for the periods of 28 Apr.-28 May (May) and 28 May-7 July (June). A significant negative linear relationship existed between these two criteria from 7 July-3 Aug. (July). May (0.237 mg K per fruit-day) and July (0.267 mg K per fruit-day) mean fruit K accumulation rates were similar, but both were significantly higher (P = 0.001) than those for June (0.140 mg K per fruit-day). Mean leaf K accumulation rates for May (- 0.007 mg K per leaf-day) and July (-0.010 mg K per leaf-day) were similar, but both were significantly (P = 0.001) less than for June (0.005 mg K per leaf-day). Potassium per fruit accumulation was highest in trees with highest K status. Periods of net leaf K efflux and influx did not precisely correlate with fruit growth stages measured by fruit dry weight. The period of lowest fruit K accumulation (28 May-7 July) coincided with the period of maximum dry matter accumulation by the kernel. After 7 July, all increases in fruit dry weight and K content were due to mesocarp growth.
CITPATH, a computerized diagnostic key and information system, was developed to identify the major fungal diseases of citrus foliage and fruit in Florida. This software provides hypertext-linked descriptions and graphic displays of symptoms, maps of geographic occurrence, diagrams of disease development, and management strategies, with reference to chemical control methods detailed in the current Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide. Reciprocal lists of citrus cultivars susceptible to specific diseases and diseases affecting specific cultivars are included. Developed for commercial growers, county extension programs, citrus horticulture classes, and master gardeners, this software is available for MS-DOS-based computers and on CD-ROM disks containing other citrus databases.
Abstract
The capacity of ‘Washington’ navel orange fruit [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] to synthesize and catabolize purines and pyrimidines was assessed. De novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotide was demonstrated by [14C] bicarbonate incorporation into purine nucleotides, blockage of this process by four known inhibitors, and assimilation of radiolabeled carbon from formate, both carbons of glycine, and carbon-3 of serine into the adenine ring. De novo synthesis of pyrimidines via the orotate pathway in young fruit was demonstrated by incorporation of [14C] bicarbonate and [6-14C]orotic acid into uridine nucleotides, release of 14CO2 from [7-14C]orotic acid, and blockage of these processes by 6-azauridine. Synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides via salvage reactions was demonstrated by incorporation of radiolabeled bases and ribonucleosides into nucleotides and into nucleic acids. Release of 14CO2 from radiolabeled adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine, uric acid, urea (purines), uracil, and uridine (pyrimidines) provided evidence the pathways for catabolism (degradation) of purines and pyrimidines in navel orange fruit are similar to those found in microorganisms and animal tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to assess the capacity of anabolic and catabolic pathways of purine and pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism in fruit of any species. De novo synthetic activities in orange fruit permit increases in the pools of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides using simple precursors. Further, the patterns of salvage and catabolism suggest riboside pools are reused predominantly as nucleotides, while the majority of base pools are degraded to permit recycling of carbon and nitrogen into other metabolites.