Sugar unloading in roots of Ricinus communis L.

The intercellular pathway of sugar transport within tissues of Ricinus communis roots, which are available to exogenous solutions, was investigated to identify the route of phloem unloading. Less than 3%, of soluble translocate within the root system accumulates in root bathing media designed to influence the apoplastic movement of soluble sugars. Sucrose and hexoses make up 80% of the leaked translocate. The influence of plant growth regulator substances and of amino acid analogues upon the accumulation of translocate into the primary root has been evaluated and is discussed in relation to the symplastic transport of carbohydrate.