HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Leaves are the most important structure for photosynthesis and assimilate production, even if a developing leaf can represent both a source and a sink (heterotrophic), by importing carbohydrates from other parts of the plant (Pavel and DeJong, 1993).

Detailed explanation-2: -Source-to-sink transport of sugar is one of the major determinants of plant growth and relies on the efficient and controlled distribution of sucrose (and some other sugars such as raffinose and polyols) across plant organs through the phloem.

Detailed explanation-3: -Phloem is a highly specialised vascular tissue that forms an interconnected network of continuous strands throughout a plant’s body. It transports sugars, nutrients, and a range of signalling molecules between leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits. As a result, phloem is central to plant function.