Physiological basis of degeneration in root (wilt) affected coconut palm

Abstract

Several studies on the different physiological aspects of the root (vd.lt) disease have "been carried out and conclusions have been drawn* The present study comprised of estimation of protein, non protein amino acids and cytokinins v“ ' from root, leaf and developing nut from healthy-, apparently healthy and root (wilt) affected coconut palm. The chlorophyll content of leaves was also estimated. The results of the biochemical analysis including a bioassay in the case of cytokinins show that in the root (wilt) affected coconut palms there are alterations or deviations in normal metabolic activities from that of the healthy palms Earlier work done has shown several abnormalities in the physiological functions. The present study has revealed a deficiency of cytokinin, one of the important plant hormones or growth regulator, in the root (wilt) affected palm in addition to reduction in protein and chlorophyll contents. The sites of synthesis of hormone (ie. root tips) are damaged, together with the impairment of the translocation system.