A study of the uptake of silicon and phosphorus of wheat plants, with radiochemical methods

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Abstract
Three-week-old wheat plants were placed in nutrient solutions containing (Si31) silicate and removed at intervals from 1/2 to 12 hours and assayed for Si31. The plants or plant parts were washed, dried, ashed, fused with Na2CO3, the resulting mass dissolved in dilute HC1, and assayed in a liquid counter. The uptake of (P32) phosphate was assayed in a similar manner. Silicate or SiO2 could be determined with an accuracy of 0.5 [mu]g. Young wheat plants have a significant capacity to absorb silica and after 1/2 hour considerable amounts were detected in various parts of the plants. The distribution of silica over the whole plant was followed. Added phosphate slightly depressed uptake of silicate, and added silicate enhanced absorption of phosphate, showing the close relation of their metabolism.

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