Root activity of mango by radiotracer technique using 32P.
Bojappa K. M., Singh R. N.
Author Affiliation: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 44 : 175-180
Abstract : The zones of root activity or active absorption of grafted mango trees were studied in October 1970 and February 1972. Each trial consisted of 12 treatments of 32P placement in soil (3 soil depths X 4 lateral distances). Specific activities of the leaf samples were assessed at regular intervals by radiochemical analysis. In February, 2 distinct zones of higher root activity were observed. The highest absorption occurred close to the trunk (120 cm) at a soil depth of 15 cm; the second peak was near the periphery (300 cm). Such a distinct pattern of root activity was not, however, observed in October. Absorption decreased with an increase in depth in both seasons. In October absorption was 77.4% up to a depth of 60 cm, and in February it was 84.6% up to a depth of 30 cm. Absorption within the peripheral zone of 300 cm was 87.6% and 88.2%, respectively, in October and February.