Variation in Thiocyanate Content of Radish Plants During Ontogeny1

Abstract
Large differences occurred in thiocyanate (SCN) content in roots and various tissues of the top of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) during ontogeny. In the root of ‘Burpee White’ and ‘Champion’, a decreasing content in SCN occurred during rosette (vegetative) growth; thereafter, only small changes in SCN content of roots were observed to flowering. In the foliage of both cultivars, a decreasing content in SCN during growth of the rosette, as in the root, preceded large increases during reproductive growth. The highest amounts of SCN in the foliage were found at early bolting. The SCN content in vegetative and reproductive tissues decreased with age. Throughout ontogeny, the occurrence of large amounts of SCN in young photosynthetic tissues, particularly in the emerging leaves, indicated that such tissues are probably major sites of synthesis or storage of SCN precursors. Differences in the SCN content of foliage and marketable roots of 14 radish cultivars were indicative of genetic control of thiocyanates in radishes.

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