Summary
In potassium-deficient barley, the arginine content was increased three-fold above that of controls, while the amines agmatine and putrescine (derived from arginine) increased about 10-fold and 40-fold respectively. From the 6th–7th leaf stage onwards, fluctuations in the level of putrescine were negatively correlated with changes in temperature, while those of arginine and agmatine level were positively correlated. Both a mass action effect of arginine and temperature-induced changes in enzyme activity are postulated as contributory factors towards putrescine accumulation.
The youngest fully expanded leaves, which were normally used for analysis, had a lower amine content than older leaves, and a higher content than the stem and roots. Within a leaf, amines and aminoacids increased in concentration from the base to the tip, while potassium and phosphorus showed a gradient in the opposite direction.
Mildew infection caused a significant increase in putrescine and agmatine (by about 100 and 50 per cent respectively) in leaves of potassium-deficient barley.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Coleman, R. G., Some aspects of nitrogen metabolism in barley, with particular reference to the potassium-deficient plant. Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. of London (1953).
Hackett, C., Sinclair, C., and Richards, F. J., Balance between potassium and phosphorus in the nutrition of barley. 1. The influence on amine content. Ann. Bota Lond. N.S.18, 331 (1965).
Rabitzsch, G., Analysis and biochemistry of 2 (p-hydroxyphenyl) alkylamines inHordeum vulgare Planta Med.7. 268 (1959).
Rabson, R. and Steward, F. C., The keto and amino acids of mint plants and interacting effects due to day length and to night temperature. Growth, nutrition and metabolism ofMentha piperita L. Cornell Univ. Agr. Exp. St. Memoir379 (1962).
Richards, F. J. and Berner, E., Jr., Physiological studies in plant nutrition. (XVII). A general survey of the free aminoacids of barley leaves as affected by mineral nutrition, with special reference to potassium supply. Ann. Botany Lond. N.S.18., 15 (1954).
Richards, F. J. and Coleman, R. G., Occurrence of putrescine in potassium-deficient barley. Nature Lond.170, 460 (1952).
Richards, F. J. and Templeman, W. G., Physiological studies in plant nutrition. IV. Nitrogen metabolism in relation to nutrient deficiency and age in leaves of barley. Ann. Botany Lond.50, 367 (1936).
Shaw, M. and Colotelo, N., The physiology of the host-parasite relations. VII. The effect of stem rust on the nitrogen and aminoacids in wheat leaves. Canad. J. Botany39, 1351 (1961).
Shih, S. H., The relationship between potassium deficiency and the effect of other metallic ions on the growth and water content of barley. Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. of London (1934).
Sinclair, C., Effects of potassium status on amine metabolism in barley, and their modifications by environmental factors. M.Sc. Thesis. Univ. of London (1965).
Smith, T. A., L-arginine carboxy-lyase of higher plants, and its relation to potassium nutrition. Phytochem.2, 241 (1963).
Smith, T. A., N-Carbamylputrescine amidohydrolase of higher plants and its relation to potassium nutrition. Phytochem.4, 599 (1965).
Smith, T. A. and Richards, F. J., The biosynthesis of putrescine in higher plants, and its relation to potassium nutrition. Biochem. J.84, 292 (1962).
Stein von Kamienski, E., The volatile amines of plants. 111. The amines of fungi, and the route of formation of amines in plants. Plants50, 331 (1958).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sinclair, C. The level and distribution of amines in barley as affected by potassium nutrition, arginine level, temperature fluctuation and mildew infection. Plant Soil 30, 423–438 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01881968
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01881968