Real-time imaging of ion uptake from root to above-ground part of the plant using conventional beta-ray emitters

We present real-time imaging of ³²P-phosphate within a living plant as well as that in culture solution toward roots. The above-ground part of the plant was irradiated with light from LED and roots were kept in dark. The plant was Lotus japonicus, cv. Miyakojima MG20 and real-time ³²P-phosphate uptake manners in young, flowering and adult phase were visualized. In the case of young plant, there was a preferential translocation of ³²P in younger leaves. When the sample was treated with phosphate deficient condition, ³²P uptake amount was much higher. In an adult phase, ³²P uptake was high at pods.