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

Tomato seedlings (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv Vendor) were grown hydroponically with their root systems maintained at a constant temperature for a 2-week 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 degrees C. The carbon exchange rate of the leaves was also found to increase with rising root-zone temperature up to 30 degrees C. However, a more complex relationship seems to exist between root-zone temperature and the accumulation of (14)C-labeled assimilates in the roots; inasmuch as there is no enhancement in this accumulation at the most growth promoting root-zone temperatures (22-30 degrees C).