Cytokinin flows from Hordeum vulgare to the hemiparasite Rhinanthus minor and the influence of infection on host and parasite cytokinins relations

Using the facultative root hemiparasite Rhinanthus minor L. and Hordeum vulgare L. as a host, the flows, depositions and metabolism of zeatin-type cytokinins [zeatin (Z), zeatin riboside (ZR), zeatin nucleotide (ZN)] within the host, the parasite and between host and parasite have been studied during the period 41-54 d after planting (i.e. ~30-43 d after successful attachment of the parasite to the host). Parasitism decreased the synthesis of Z in the root (by 57%) and decreased xylem flows (by 56%) and metabolism (by 71%) in leaf laminae. However, phloem flows of Z were increased by 3-fold in the host barley. The deposition of Z in the roots of Rhinanthus and the flows in xylem and phloem were increased by 20, 12, 29-fold, respectively, after successfully attaching to the host barley. However, net biosynthesis of Z in Rhinanthus roots decreased by 35% after attachment. This indicates that a large portion (70%) of xylem flow of Z in attached Rhinanthus was extracted from the host. In singly growing Rhinanthus plants, the balance of Z deposition in the shoot was negative (i.e. Z was metabolised and exported back to root in the phloem). Xylem flows and deposition of ZR and ZN showed comparable quantitative changes after attachment. A significant deposition of Z, ZR and ZN was detected in the haustoria of the Rhinanthus / barley association. The possible physiological functions of the large quantities of Z and ZR and ZN derived from the host barley, for the improved leaf development and the stomatal reactions of the parasitising Rhinanthus are discussed.