Crop Science Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education
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Published in Crop Sci 6:604-607 (1966)
© 1966 Crop Science Society of America
677 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA
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Change in Carbohydrates in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Roots During the Period of Floral Initiation and Seed Development1

A. K. Dobrenz and M. A. Massengale2

Alfalfa plants grown under field conditions at Tucson, Arizona, were used to investigate the change in acidhydrolyzable carbohydrates, glucose, fructose, sucrose, and starch stored in the roots during the time of floral initiation and seed development at three different seasons of the year.

Acid-hydrolyzable carbohydrates and starch reached their lowest level in the roots more rapidly in plants that were cut in June and August as compared with plants that were cut in April to begin growth for seed production. Floral initiation and development also occurred earlier during the June and August growth periods. This early reduction in stored reserves coincided with early floral initiation and development. The concentration of glucose, fructose, and sucrose was quite low in alfalfa roots during all growth periods. Positive and significant association existed between the concentration of specific carbohydrate fractions in alfalfa roots during the first three weeks after forage removal and seed production, number of pods per stem, number of seeds per pod, and percentage pod set.

1 Contribution from the Department of Agronomy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, as Journal Paper No. 1060. Part of a dissertation submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Ph.D. degree. The work was partially supported by Western Regional Research Project W-58.

2 Formerly Research Assistant (now Assistant Professor of Plant Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming) and Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

Received for publication December 18, 1965.




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