A Further Study on the Nonutilization of Rubber as a Food Reserve by Guayule

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Abstract
Guayule plants were grown from Jan.20 to June 1 in sand culture but maintained in a defoliated condition. During this time the dry wt. of the original stems and roots of the plants decreased by 41% and 38%, respectively. The grams of sugars, levulins, inulin, pentosans, and resins also decreased markedly during this period. In spite of this severe drain on the food reserves of the plant, no loss in g. of rubber could be demonstrated. It was concluded (as had been done earlier by Traub from similar expts. conducted from Nov. to Jan.) that rubber does not serve as a food reserve in guayule and that other data indicating such a role were the results of sampling errors or some systematic error related to the manner of harvesting.