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Amylolytic Activity in Leaves of a Tropical and a Temperature Grass¹

Amylolytic activities of leaf extracts of ‘Pangola’ digit grass (Digitaria decumbens Stent.) were determined after imposing low night temperature treatments known to reduce growth. Comparisons were made between the activities of leaf extracts of Pangola and those of orchardgrass plants (Dactylis glomerata L.) that were subjected to the same treatments. Treatment of Pangola, a tropical species, with 10-G night temperature markedly reduced the starch-degrading activity of leaf extracts, whereas this was not the case with orchardgrass, a temperate species that is lictle affected by 10-C night temperature. In addition, a low incubation temperature during enzyme assay reduced the amylolytic activity of Pangola extracts more than that of orchardgrass. These results suggest that the reduction of growth of Pangola by suboptimal night temperatures is at least partially due to a depression of amylolytic activity.

Key Words: Digitaria decumbens • Dactylis glomerata • Low temperature • Starch Accumulation • Starch degradation • Amylase

² Research Assistant, Agronomy Department, University of Florida; Plant Physiologist, Plant Science Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture; and Research Associate, Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 32601.

Received for publication June 12, 1971.