Stimulation of Photosynthesis in Uninfected Leaves of Rust-infected Leeks

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Abstract
Fourth leaves of healthy leek plants exhibit very low rates of net photosynthesis which appear to be related to the very slow growth rates of young leeks early in the season. A stimulation in the rate of net photosynthesis was found to occur in uninfected leaves of leek plants infected with the rust, Puccinia porri. This was accompanied by a reduction in the rate of photorespiration. Although the mechanisms underlying this response are not known, it may be instructive to compare these results with those obtained from partial defoliation experiments. Increased photosynthetic activity in uninfected leaves may enable the infected plant to maintain a functional shoot: root equilibrium.