Effects of Fertilization and Irrigation on the Seasonal Changes of Carbohydrate Reserves in Different Age‐Classes of Needle on 20‐Year‐Old Scots Pine Trees (Pinus silvestris)

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Abstract
The effects of fertilization, irrigation or both on the seasonal changes of starch and soluble carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, myo‐inositol, pinitol and sucrose) in needles of 20‐year‐old Scots pine trees (Pinus silvestris L.) were studied during three consecutive years. The starch content of the mature needles increased during spring and early summer to about 25% of dry weight. Neither fertilization nor irrigation affected the general pattern of starch accumulation during the spring. The starch reserves were mobilized when the shoot started to grow. Starch content decreased more rapidly in needles from fertilized than in those from unfertilized trees. The current needles from the control trees accumulated starch while they were still growing. The current needles of the fertilized trees did so to a lesser extent. The amount of starch was closely correlated to the air temperature and to the growth rate. Large amounts were found at low temperatures and low growth rates.The concentrations of soluble carbohydrates showed the well‐known seasonal variation, with the highest value during the winter. The levels of sugars were nearly similar, irrespective of fertilization. An exception was sucrose, which was found in small quantities in needles from fertilized plots. Small amounts of sucrose were also found in growing current needles.The results are discussed in relation to growth limitation by assimilate availability and indicate that the ‘sink demand’ is the limiting factor.