A simple and sensitive method for determining reducing sugars in plant tissues. Application to quantify the sugar content in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seedlings

Abstract

A simple and sensitive method for the colorimetric determination of reducing sugars in plant materials is proposed. The procedure is based on reduction under alkaline conditions of potassium ferricyanide by the reducing groups of the carbohydrates, followed by colour development as the o-phenanthroline complex. All sugars tested produced an equal colour yield. The method proved to be reproducible and precise with a high degree of sensitivity which makes it possible to use with small sample quantities. The method is quick, easy and cheap, hence permiting its use in routine analysis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.