Nitrogen Uptake by Apple Seedlings as Affected by Light, and Nutrient Stress in Part of the Root System

The adaptation of apple seedlings, Pyrus malus L., to localized nutrient stress was studied by measuring nitrogen uptake. Seedlings with split root systems were grown in nutrient solution. Various proportions of the roots were subjected to nutrient stress by placing some of the roots in water. The nitrogen uptake by stressed plants was measured under constant and varied lighting. Under optimum lighting it was found that if part of the root system was deprived of nitrogen, then the remainder partially compensated for this deficiency by increasing its uptake. This adaptation, however, was substantially reduced under low levels of lighting.