RESERVE CARBOHYDRATES IN ORCHARD GRASS CLIPPED PERIODICALLY

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Abstract
Orchard grass plants were grown in the greenhouse under 2 levels of N fertility and clipped every 5 weeks. During 3 intercutting periods the tops, stubble, and roots underwent recurring and cyclic changes in dry wt. and chem. composition Total water soluble carbohydrates were higher in the stubble than in the tops and roots, with the difference largely fructosan. After each cutting, fructosan and sucrose in the stubble and roots decreased in accordance with their probable role as reserves. Reducing sugars decreased after cutting only when their percentages were high. Following initial drops soon after cutting, the percentages of all soluble carbohydrates were restored before the time of the next cutting 35 days later. Under high N nutrition the percentages of fructosan and sucrose were less, but reducing sugars were higher than under low N.