A comparison of the free amino‐acids of two tropical grasses

Abstract

The individual free amino-acids of the leaf and stem tissues of two related tropical pasture grasses-Bvachiari vuziziensis and Setaria sphacelata-have been quantitatively determined in 17 successive weekly cuttings from the early seedling to the flowering stages, by a paper-chromatographic DNP method. The observed differences in the respective amino-acid patterns of the two species are insufficient to account for the relatively greater accumulation of ammonium-N, during the early growth period, in S. sphacelata which has been previously reported.

The Effect of Mineral Nutrient Deficiency on the Content of free Amino Acids in Setaria Sphacelata

“…Qualitatively, the free amino acid pool is very similar to other grasses and plants. The present study has confirmed some of the findings of Hodgson (1964) on S. 8phacelata. In the present experiment alanine accounted for approximately 26% of the amino acid nitrogen in the control plants whereas Hodgson found approximately 45% in control plants of the same age.…”

“…In view of this behaviour and the importance of amino acids in nitrogen metabolism it was decided to investigate the ammonia and free amino acid content of the grass under various nutrient deficiencies. Hodgson (1964) had previously examined the free amino acids at various stages of growth under adequate nutritional status. The effect of mineral nutrient deficiency on the nitrogen compounds of plants and grasses has been investigated by several workers including Richards and Templeman (1936) who showed that the concentration of free amino acids and of amides of barley increased in phosphorus or potassium deficiency.…”

The protein amino‐acid composition and nitrogen distribution in two tropical grasses

“…6 A&de N.-The hydrolysate from 10 mg. of protein was adjusted to pH 1 0 3 with sodium hydroxide sdution, distilled into 5 ml. of saturated self-indicating boric acid solution and titrated with o.oIii-hydrochloric acid.…”