Thesis--University of Michigan, 1932. / Caption title. Thesis note on label attached to p. [1]. "Papers from the Department of Botany, University of Michigan, number 365." "Reprinted from the American journal of botany, XIX ... April, 1932." "Literature cited": p. 355-356.

M.Sc. (Botany) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-121). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2004. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains iv, 70 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-70).

Thesis (M. Ag. Sci.)--University of Adelaide, 1988. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-61).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Canterbury, 2006. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-101). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Master of Science

The influence of sucrose as an important factor in the vase-life of cut flowers has been dually noted. Sucrose is actively transported across the cell membrane via a symport system and the membrane-imbedded ATPase enzyme generates the required energy and proton gradient for the process. The activity of this enzyme decreases during the senescence of Petunia petals, concomitant with a decrease in sucrose-uptake in the post-climacteric phase. However, ATP does not appear to be limiting, indicating that a change in proton gradients may be responsible for this phenomenon. In order to study the uptake of sucrose in Petunia corollas various inhibitors of ATPase enzyme activity (DES and sodium orthovanadate) were introduced. The effect of potassium ferricyanide on the disruption of the membranal electro-chemical gradient was also determined. In addition it was found that the plasma membrane redox system seems to be influential in creating the H+-gradient necessary for sucrose-uptake. These effects were also studied in relation to prior treatment of flowers with the hormone, ethylene, for 24 hours. The results obtained have shown the i) importance of a stable inter- and intracellular pH environment; ii) the imbedded ATPase enzyme’s dependence on the membrane stability; iii) the maintenance of the electro-chemical gradient across membranes; the active energy generated by the ATPase enzyme; and lastly, iv) the effect of ethylene directly on membrane integrity and indirectly on sucrose-uptake. / Prof. C.S. Whitehead

Master of Science

Commercial AM fungi isolates, Rhizophagus clarus, Gigaspora gigantea, Funneliformis mosseae, Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Paraglomus occulum were tested on four seasonal ornamentals, Dianthus chinensis x barbatus, Impatiens wallerana, Petunia x hybrid and Viola x wittrockiana planted in peat-base medium. The experiment was conducted in a glasshouse with three replicates in a completely randomised design. Various vegetative (height, width, length, number of leaves, leaf area and dry biomass) and reproductive (number of flowers and buds) plant parts were measured in the course of three months. AM fungi was found to increase seedling growth and reduced seedling mortality rate of all the plants studied. Inoculated plants produced more leaves (16-33%) and grew taller (12-28%). Dry biomass of inoculated Dianthus, Impatiens and Viola plants were significantly increased by 25-53%. All plants under low colonisation rates displayed mycotrophic qualities and net growth output thereof were found to be similar to plants with equal or higher colonisation rate. Mortality were less frequent in inoculated plants and they were also less susceptible to transplant shock. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Ornamental Horticulture)