Abstract
Highlight: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) was harvested at early anthesis in the field at Madison, Wisconsin, during 19 72. Shoots were separated into the inflorescence, individual green leaf blades, green leaf sheaths, and internodes at 6 am, 12 noon, 4 pm, and 12 midnight during 3 days: All tissues were analyzed for percentages (dry wt) of reducing and nonreducing sugars, total sugars, starch, and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC). Diurnal trends were clearest in the inflorescence, leaf blades, and the upper sheaths and internodes, but they were not always statistically significant. The trend was an increase of nonreducing sugar, total sugar, and starch percentages from 6 am to 6 pm and then a decrease to 12 midnight. Diurnal change in reducing sugar percentage was small in all plant parts. Basal sheaths and internodes tended to increase in percentage of starch and TNC from 6 am to 12 midnight. These are storage parts, and presumably carbohydrates were being translocated continuously from upper parts to these lower sinks for storage, especially after 6 pm. These data indicate that pasturing in the evening might provide advantages insofar as energy concentration in herbage is concerned. The highest content of energy occurred in the inflorescence of all the individual shoot parts. Diurnal trends of elemental concentrations in the shoot parts also were determined and were found to be largely nonsignificant.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.