Effect of Altering the Root-Zone Temperature on Growth, Translocation, Carbon Exchange Rate, and Leaf Starch Accumulation in the Tomato

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Abstract
Tomato seedlings (L. esculentum Mill. cv. Vendor) were grown hydroponically with their root systems maintained at a constant temperature for a 2-wk period commencing with the appearance of the first true leaf. Based on fresh and dry weight and leaf area, the optimal root-zone temperature for seedling growth was 30.degree. C. The C exchange rate of the leaves also increased with rising root-zone temperature up to 30.degree. C. However, a more complex relationship seems to exist between root-zone temperature and the accumulation of 14C-labeled assimilates in the roots, inasmuch as there is no enhancement in this accumulation at the most growth promoting root-zone temperatures (22.degree.-30.degree. C).