Potassium (K) distribution in rice (Oryza sativa L.) root was studied by confocal laser microscopy, using potassium sensitive fluorescent dye potassium-binding benzofuran isophthalate (PBFI). Significantly high intensity of K-specific fluorescence was detected at the root cap region followed by meristematic and basal regions. A negligible or fainted fluorescence was observed at the root hairs area. These results suggest that K is heavily distributed in the apical area of rice root, which may be required in higher concentration for division and extension of cells, as it is the rapidly growing region of the root, moreover, may also be involved in water uptake by creating osmotic gradient across membranes.

Freshly collected pollens from opened and unopened flowers of two genotypes (EG45 and 1361) of Eucalyptus grandis were desiccated in oven at 30˚C and over silica gel in desiccator for various times. It was found that E. grandis pollen has a requirement of