Patterns of distribution of assimilates in tubers ofSolanum tuberosum L. with time

Summary Autoradiographic studies showed the patterns of arrival and subsequent distribution of¹⁴C-labelled assimilates in the potato tuber. The internal phloem was the principal route of entry of assimilates which subsequently became more evenly distributed throughout the tuber. The patterns of distribution within the tuber following a single pulse (1 hour) feeding of¹⁴CO₂ continued to change for more than seven days afterwards. Between three and seven days after feeding an area corresponding to the xylem became almost devoid of¹⁴C-label and after fourteen days the phloem strands appeared to have ceased to carry assimilates. These observations are discussed.