1999 Volume 44 Issue 4 Pages 315-319
Carbohydrate metabolism in stem bases of timothy and orchardgrass in winter was studied under snow in eastern region of Hokkaido in Japan. Phlein concentration in both grasses decreased during winter, especially in frigid winter (January) and early spring. The decrease in phlein in frigid winter proceeded under increase in phleinase activity with concomitant increase in low molecular sugars. The decrease in early spring occurred under decrease in phleinase activity, but increase in low molecular sugars was not detected. Molecular size of phlein was larger in timothy than in orchardgrass throughout winter as measured by gel chromatography. Division of the carbohydrate metabolism in winter according to the changes in the nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations and phleinase activity was discussed.
