Protein and Total Free Amino Acids in The Shoot Tip and Subtending Leaves During Ontogeny, Floral Transition and Reversion of Pineapple Plant
Abstract
Total protein and free amino acids were estimated in Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. shoot tip at eleven stages of ontogenic development under natural environment. Protein and free amino acids decreased in the shoot tip after two months from planting. In the achlorophyllous part of leaf, protein content decreased but an increase in amino acids was noted. In the chlorophyllous region, however free amino acids decreased and an increase in protein was recorded. The most significant changes during the vegetative phase was the rise in free amino acids in 12 months old shoot tip. In the fully mature plant protein and total free amino acids decreased in the shoot tip and also in achlorophyllous leaf part but increased by about 3 fold in the chlorophyllous region, without any change in protein concentration. In the fully evoked state of the shoot apex (when the first kinked bract appeared) protein and amino acid concentration increased. Except at the early stage of inflorescence, protein concentration was lower in the shoot tip than in the leaf parts.
