Seasonal changes in contents of root starch and soluble carbohydrates in 4–6‐year old Betula pubescens and Popuius tremula

Abstract

Roots of 4–6‐year old European aspen and pubescent birch were collected monthly during 1983–87 and 1983–88, and analysed to determine their starch, fructose and glucose concentration. Carbohydrate concentrations in aspen roots fluctuated with low levels in May‐June. Seasonal variation was not as consistent in birch roots as in aspen roots. The drop during May‐June occur as consistently in birch. Total carbohydrate concentrations in roots of birch collected from six latitudes (56–67°N) in Sweden showed similar patterns of variation. There were no significant difference between starch concentrations among roots of different diameters (2–11 mm), nor did concentrations differ between sites at different distances (5–25 cm) from the main stem. It was difficult to visually differentiate between low and medium starch levels. Some practical implications of the results are discussed