Role of Carbohydrate Reserves in the Development of Root Suckers in Populustremuloides

Abstract

The role of carbohydrate reserves in initial sucker growth from excised roots of Alaskan and Utahan aspen (Popnlustremuloides Michx.) was investigated by correlating the seasonal variation in sucker production in darkness with the concentration of total nonstructural carbohydrates (T.N.C.) in the roots. Sucker numbers were not correlated with T.N.C. content. Dry weight of suckers per cutting (D.W./C) was a function of T.N.C. percentage and the number of suckers per cutting (No./C). In the additive model, D.W./C = b0 + b1 (No./C) + b2 (T.N.C), T.N.C. was a significant contributor to sucker dry weight. Although dry weight per cutting increased as the number of suckers became larger, dry weight per sucker decreased. Within geographic area, number and dry weight of suckers and T.N.C. percentage were related to both date of collection and clone of origin. Seasonal trends in T.N.C. content were similar in the Utahan and Alaskan roots studied.