Effects of Phosphorus Deficiency on C and N Metabolism during Regrowth of Italian Ryegrass

To investigate of C and N metabolisms in response to phosphorus-deficient stress during regrowth of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), C and N metabolites were analyzed at 0, 6, 12 and 24 days after defoliation. P-sufficient (control, +P) and P-absent (-P) nutrient solutions were applied from 7 days before defoliation, and continued for one cycle of 24 day-regrowth period. During 24 days of regrowth, dry matter of regrowing shoots and remaining tissues were not significantly different between +P and -P treatment. In remaining stubble, 70% to 91 % decline of the initial level (at day 0) in all C compounds occurred during the first 6 days of regrowth. Initial amounts of nitrate and amino acids in roots were significantly higher in the +P medium. Nitrate contents in stubble in the +P medium significantly decreased for the first 12 days and then rapidly recovered, while that of the -P medium continuously decreased until day 24. Amino acids in stubble in the P medium were continuously increased during the whole regrowth period. Soluble proteins in stubble in the +P medium also largely fell down (46.0% of the initial) for only the first 6 days, however the decline in the -P medium continued until day 12. In regrowing shoots, the accumulation of C compounds was significantly higher, while that of N compounds except amino acids was largely lower in the -P medium. These results showed a stimulation of carbohydrate synthesis and a compensatory utilization of organic reserves occurred to support regrowth under P-deficient condition.