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Leaf Starch Metabolism during the Growth of Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Plants

Plant Physiology Department, Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, Worthing Road, Littlehampton, Sussex BN16 3PU England

Levels of starch and sugars, and the activities of amylase and starch phosphorylase were measured in expanding leaves harvested in early morning and early evening during the growth of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.; cv `Bellboy') plants. The differences between starch levels 1 hour after dawn and 1 hour after dusk increased during the period of initial fruit expansion. This diurnal starch difference was strongly correlated with post-dusk amylase activities in leaves at both stages of expansion. There was also a strong correlation between levels of amylase in immature and those in mature leaves throughout the experiment. Phosphorylase activity showed no direct relationship to leaf starch levels, and there was no similarity between activities in immature and mature leaves. An increase in photosynthesis during plant development was observed which could account for the increased starch synthesis at initial fruit expansion.