Sugars and polyols in sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea, C. nigricans and Sclerotinia curreyana during germination

Abstract

Qualitative studies were made on the alcohol-soluble carbohydrates in sclerotia of C. purpurea and C. nigricans during dormancy, activation and germination. Trehalose and mannitol were the major carbohydrates present, and evidence was obtained that these were synthesized via a lipid-consuming system which was activated during low-temperature, dormancy-breaking treatments. Carbohydrates were consumed during germination and mannitol was translocated from the ergot through the stipe to the stroma. In S. curreyana trehalose and mannitol were the principal carbohydrates present. During germination carbohydrates were similarly consumed, and mannitol and trehalose were translocated from the sclerotium to the apothecium.