Total Nonstructural Carbohydrate Levels Research Articles

Effect of Method and Time of Management on European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) Growth and Development in Minnesota

European buckthorn is an exotic problematic invasive woody species that has displaced native plant species in Minnesota woodlands. Buckthorn is also an overwintering host for oat crown rust and soybean aphids, which can cause significant crop yield losses. The overall goal of this study was to test multiple buckthorn control methods and examine the establishment of native plant species in colonized areas. Specific objectives were to 1) determine the effectiveness of buckthorn control methods when applied in different seasons, 2) monitor seedling recruitment and resprouting ability of buckthorn saplings following treatment, 3) monitor recruitment and survival of native plant species following treatment, and 4) characterize buckthorn carbohydrate fluctuations and considerations for timely and effective buckthorn management. Field experiments conducted for two years in two locations (Eagle Lake Regional Park and Battle Creek Regional Park, Minnesota, U.S.A), tested four buckthorn control treatments: 1) cutting only; 2) cutting+stump treatment with herbicide (triclopyr); 3) cutting+stump treatment with herbicide+burning, and 4) cutting+burning. Untreated controls were included in each experiment. Across management seasons, the cutting+stump treatment with herbicide resulted in higher seedling densities for buckthorn and other species the next season compared to cutting only without herbicide application. Spring management resulted in the lowest seedling density the next season for both buckthorn and other plant species, and spring control treatments that included herbicide and burning resulted in higher buckthorn and native species seedling densities than treatments without burning. Because seasonal total nonstructural carbohydrate levels in buckthorn crowns were highest in the fall season, we recommend applying systemic herbicides in the fall when carbohydrates are translocated for storage to facilitate herbicide translocation and efficacy. Our study shows that integrating multiple buckthorn control methods reduces buckthorn populations and increases native species diversity. For long-term control of buckthorn seedling establishment, follow-up treatments like applying foliar herbicide sprays can be used in addition to prescribed burning.

The effect of conditioning Acacia mearnsii De Wild. hedge-plants under shadenetting on rooting, elemental uptake and productivity of cuttings

Acacia mearnsii is a commercial forestry tree in South Africa, largely grown from open-pollinated seeds. Clonal deployment of superior selections of the species is restricted due to its poor rooting ability. The effects of conditioning parent hedge-plants under three levels of reduced light (80% black; 60% red and 40% black/ white shadenet) were investigated. Hedge-plant nutrition, carbohydrate content, productivity and rooting of cuttings were measured. Conditioning hedge-plants under 80% black shadenet for five weeks gave the highest rooting percentages in both seasons (39.3% and 22.1%) (p < 0.05), despite having a lower productivity of 42.5 cuttings per hedge-plant (p > 0.05). As the shading increased to 80% black, so the rooting increased, and stem/leaf total non-structural carbohydrate levels decreased (r = −0.61 to −0.97). Conditioning under shadenet reduced leaf and increased stem total macronutrient percentages but increased both leaf and stem total micronutrient concentrations. Total macro- and micronutrient levels were greatest after conditioning under 80% black shadenet, except for stem-nitrogen, stem-carbon and leaf-manganese, which had the lowest values (p > 0.05). In conclusion, hedge-plant conditioning under 80% black shadenet can significantly improve rooting of A. mearnsii cuttings, which could facilitate the commercial clonal propagation of the species.

Nonstructural carbohydrates in leaves subtending cotton bolls, fibers and embryos in response to nitrogen stress

ABSTRACTA field study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 where cotton was exposed to three N regimes: (1) the control without N application (low N); (2) 260 kg N ha−1 (medium N); (3) 520 kg N ha−1 (high N). Boll size, lint mass per boll, seed mass per boll, fiber length and strength were significantly decreased under N deprivation in the two years. The increased carbohydrate levels of LSCB (leaf subtending the cotton boll) led to decreased carbohydrate levels of fibers in the low N relative to the other N treatments. The low N embryos exhibited lower starch concentrations at 17 and 31 DPA (days post anthesis), and TNC (total nonstructural carbohydrate) concentrations at 17, 31, 45 and 52 DPA compared to medium N embryos. Starch levels in LSCB had negative associations with those in fibers at 17, 31 and 45 DPA, but positive associations with those in embryos at 24 and 45 DPA. Fibers expressed negative associations with embryos in glucose level at 24 and 38 DPA, and in TNC levels at 17 and 45 DPA. The study suggests that carbon assimilate levels in fibers and embryos could explain the difference in boll yield components and fiber quality.

Sink-Source Balance and Down-Regulation of Photosynthesis in Raphanus sativus: Effects of Grafting, N and CO2.

To clarify whether excessive accumulation of total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) causes down-regulation of photosynthesis in Raphanus sativus, we manipulated sink-source balance to alter TNC levels in source leaves and examined its effects on photosynthetic characteristics, whole-plant biomass allocation and anatomical characteristics of leaves and petioles. Comet and Leafy varieties with large and small hypocotyls were reciprocally grafted to change hypocotyl sink strength. They were grown at high or low nitrogen (N) availability and at elevated or ambient CO2. Maximum photosynthetic rate, which was highly correlated with Rubisco and leaf N contents, was hardly correlated with TNC across the grafting combinations and growth conditions. Biomass allocation to petioles and hypocotyls and accumulation of TNC in each organ were significantly higher at low N. TNC and structural carbohydrates such as cellulose and hemicellulose were higher and the proportion of intercellular air space in source leaves was lower at low N and elevated CO2. We conclude that excess TNC does not cause severe down-regulation of photosynthesis, and cell walls and petioles are also major carbohydrate sinks responding to changes in sink-source and carbon-nitrogen balances, which contribute to alleviating further accumulation of TNC to avoid its negative effects in source leaves.

How Do Free-Living, Lerp-Forming, and Gall-Inducing Aphalaridae (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) Affect the Nutritional Quality ofEucalyptusLeaves?

About 380 described species of Psylloidea occur on Eucalyptus in Australia. These show differences in diversification, feeding behavior, and apparent patterns of development. We analyzed the quality of nutrients used by three species of Aphalaridae belonging to different feeding guilds on three species of Eucalyptus . We evaluated the quantity and quality of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), δ13C and δ15N isotope ratios, amino acids, and fatty acids. In general, TNC levels were greater in infested leaves than in uninfested leaves of the three species of Eucalyptus . TNC levels in the leaves of E. macrorhyncha F. Mueller ex Bentham were the highest and in E. globulus Labillardiere the lowest. Total masses of amino acids and fatty acids were the greatest in the leaves of E. globulus infested by C. eucalypti (Maskell), followed by leaves of E. sideroxylon A. Cunningham ex. Woolls infested by the species of Glycaspis Taylor, and the lowest values were in the leaves of E. macrorhyncha infested by species of Synglycaspis Moore. In general, δ13C increased in C. eucalypti- infested leaves of E. globulus , Glycaspis sp. infested leaves of E. sideroxylon, and Synglycaspis sp. infested leaves of E. macrorhyncha . Nitrogen-isotope ratios (δ15N values) were not significantly different in infested and uninfested leaves. The free-living C. eucalypti stress E. globulus leaves more intensely by its group-feeding behavior, whereas the gall-inducing species of Synglycaspis stresses E. macrorhyncha leaves in such a way to elicit a response with a novel phenotypic expression, viz. , the gall. The lerp-forming species of Glycaspis utilize nutrients, especially sugars, the excess of which is secreted to build their characteristic lerp.

The effects of repeated cutting on coppice response of Terminalia sericea

Although exposure to multiple cutting cycles reduces stored reserves, shoot diameter and shoot length, it, however, increases shoot production per resprouting stump and foliar nitrogen. In disturbance-prone environments with fluctuating seasonal rainfall such as savannas, the repeated cutting of the same trees eventually results in a possible decline in tree abundance. The effects of subjecting Terminalia sericea trees to one, two and multiple (eight) cutting events over a period of 2 years on coppice response were investigated in a savanna woodland in South Africa. Resprout shoot diameter, shoot length and the total cumulative diameter were lower in trees exposed to a high number of cutting events compared to trees exposed to one cutting event. Increasing the number of cutting events significantly reduced stem total non-structural carbohydrate levels in trees indicating a depletion of stored reserves. Foliar carbon content remained largely the same, while leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations significantly increased with each cutting event, relative to uncut trees. Results indicate that trees cut once had not replenished depleted carbohydrate reserves even after a period of 18 months during which no cutting took place. Sustainable utilization of this tree species must allow for at least more than 18 months of undisturbed growth between harvests to allow for the replenishing of reserves.

Pushing toward Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Patch Eradication: The Influence of Herbicide Treatment and Application Timing on Cogongrass Rhizome Elimination

AbstractCogongrass, an invasive grass native to Asia, has infested thousands of hectares in the southeastern United States. Although numerous studies have examined cogongrass control, no published studies, to our knowledge, have tested strategies for cogongrass eradication. Cogongrass has a persistent, thick rhizome mat but an ephemeral seedbank; therefore, successful eradication methods must largely focus on the rhizomes. A field study to evaluate specific herbicide treatments and application timings for cogongrass patch eradication was conducted at two locations in southwestern Alabama. Herbicide treatments included glyphosate at 4.48 kg ai ha−1, imazapyr at 0.84 kg ai ha−1, and a tank mix of glyphosate and imazapyr at the same rates. Treatments were applied in May, August, or October for 3 consecutive yr, and the May glyphosate treatment included a second annual application each October. Cogongrass visual control, shoot biomass, rhizome biomass, rhizome depth, and total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) content were sampled during the course of the study. Cogongrass response to treatments varied by location but by 36 mo after initial treatment (MAIT), complete elimination of cogongrass shoot and rhizome biomass and 100% visual control was achieved in several herbicide treatment–timing combinations at both locations. These included glyphosate plus imazapyr at any application timing, imazapyr in August or October, and glyphosate applied in May and October each year. TNC levels of surviving healthy rhizomes were not affected by herbicide treatments, but a seasonal pattern was observed. The maximum live-rhizome depth was not influenced by any treatment, indicating that herbicides were not preferentially leaving deeper, surviving rhizomes. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that the entire rhizome layer of cogongrass can be eliminated within 3 yr with multiple treatment options and that cogongrass patch eradication is possible for many land managers.

Total Nonstructural Carbohydrate Trends in Deeproot Sedge (Cyperus entrerianus)

Native to temperate South America, deeproot sedge has naturalized throughout the southeastern United States. Often forming dense, homogenous stands, deeproot sedge has become widespread, invasive, and potentially harmful ecologically throughout the coastal prairie ecoregion of Texas. Possessing characteristics (rapid growth, generalized habitat requirements) of other weedy congeners (purple nutsedge and yellow nutsedge), its relatively recent expansion highlights the critical need to develop effective control techniques and strategies for this species throughout this endangered ecoregion. Research was performed to delineate total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) trends in deeproot sedge rhizomes for development of a phenologically based schedule for herbicide applications and mechanical treatments. Overall, TNC levels were greatest in May to August and lowest from October to January, regardless of study area. Apparently, deeproot sedge exerts little energy into seed production because TNC levels were continually replenished throughout the growing season. As such, foliar-herbicide application throughout the growing season should achieve total plant kill. Conversely, deeproot sedge rhizome TNC levels never fell below 30%, even during winter, which indicates that winter mechanical treatments or winter prescribed fires will not be effective because substantial rhizome reserves are present to support resprouting during the next growing season. Beyond a priori prevention, sequential herbicide applications combined with integrated, sequential, prescribed fire and herbicide treatments will be needed for long-term deeproot sedge control throughout its geographic range.

The early spring N uptake of young peach trees (Prunus persica) is affected by past and current fertilizations and levels of C and N stores

In deciduous trees, shoot development in early spring is assumed to be achieved mainly at the expense of nitrogen (N) stores. Indeed, the possible compensation for poor autumn N storage by early spring N uptake has been little studied. We therefore determined the dynamics of spring N uptake in relation to spring N supply, carbon and N storage and shoot development. Young peach trees (Prunus persica L. Batsch, cv. 'GF305') were raised outdoors in a hydroponic set-up during the spring and summer, with an excessive N supply. During the autumn, half of the trees were then N limited. The following spring, the N supply remained either high or low, or changed from high to low or low to high. Between 6 March and 13 May, N uptake was measured automatically on an hourly basis, while shoot growth was monitored once a week. These in situ measurements were completed by three destructive harvests to assess organ composition in N and total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC). Until the end of April, N uptake was dependent on the autumn N treatment, being higher in trees that had been N limited in the autumn. Total non-structural carbohydrate mobilization was also higher in those trees that had lost at least 17 g TNC by 24 April, while TNC levels in non-limited trees remained stable or even rose. Shoot development, estimated by the number of elongated axes and leaves per axis, was also slightly delayed by an N limitation in autumn. After 24 April, N uptake rates increased notably under all treatments and was determined by the spring N supply. In trees receiving a high N supply in the spring, the uptake rates also displayed marked short-term variations. That reduced the differences between treatments and by 13 May no differences could be evidenced between the trees in terms of organ biomass and TNC and N contents, whatever the treatment. We concluded that in the early spring, N uptake may compensate for a deficit of N storage insofar as large quantities of TNC can be mobilized for that purpose.

Regrowth of spring canola (Brassica napus) after defoliation

Regrowth of dual-purpose canola after grazing is important for commercial success and the aim of this research was to investigate the effects of defoliation on the development, growth, photosynthesis and allocation of carbohydrates. We conducted two pot experiments in which defoliation was conducted at multiple intensities with scissors. Experiment 1 determined changes in flowering date due to defoliation while Experiment 2 investigated the effects of defoliation on growth, photosynthesis and allocation of carbohydrates in canola. Time to the appearance of the first flower was delayed by up to 9 days after the removal of all leaves at the start of stem elongation (GS30), and up to 19 days if the elongating bud was also removed. Stem growth rate decreased by 56–86 % due to defoliation and tap roots did not increase in mass when plants were completely defoliated. Leaf area continued to expand at the same rate as in un-defoliated plants. The new leaf area established per gram of regrowth biomass over 20 days was 158 cm2.g-1 for the complete defoliation treatments compared with 27 cm2.g−1 for the half-defoliated treatment and 13 cm2.g−1 for the un-defoliated treatment. Despite a reduction in total biomass of up to 60 %, the proportion of dry matter partitioned to the leaves was 18 % for all treatments within 20 days after defoliation. Total non-structural carbohydrate levels were reduced rapidly in the stem by day two (predominately sucrose) and the tap root by day four (predominately starch) after defoliation and did not recover to match un-defoliated plant levels within 20 days. Residual leaves on defoliated plants maintained photosynthetic rate compared with the same leaf cohorts on un-defoliated plants in which photosynthetic rate decreased to 39 % by day 12. The rapid recovery of leaf area in defoliated canola was facilitated by the sustained high photosynthetic rate in remaining leaves, rapid mobilisation of stored sugars (stem) and starch (root), and a cessation of root and stem growth.

Mowing Height and Genotype Influence on Carbohydrate Content of Buffalograss

ABSTRACTDetermination of total nonstructural carbohydrate levels in turf‐type buffalograss [Buchloë dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] genotypes as influenced by mowing height has not been previously investigated. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of buffalograss genotype and mowing height on total nonstructural sugar and starch content during the growing season. The study was conducted at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research Facility located near Mead, NE. Cultivars Legacy and Prestige along with selections NE‐2979 and NE‐2964 from the buffalograss breeding program at the University of Nebraska were studied. The genotypes were mowed at 1.6 and 5.0 cm. Sugar and starch content trends were similar, but differences in carbohydrate concentration among genotypes were observed. NE‐2964 exhibited the greatest sugar content, 6.37% at 5‐cm mowing height, and NE‐2979 the lowest sugar content, 1.75% at 5‐cm mowing height. Legacy exhibited the greatest starch content, 12.6% at 5‐cm mowing height, and NE‐2979 the lowest starch content, 1.3% at 5‐cm mowing height. Surprisingly, mowing height had little effect on sugar or starch levels of buffalograss. Genotype was the greatest source of variation for sugar and starch content, indicating that different genotypes partition or allocate carbohydrates differently. These results show the seasonal carbohydrate content variations among buffalograss genotypes and provide some insight as to why those changes occur.

Improvement of Salt Tolerance in Kentucky Bluegrass by Trinexapac-ethyl

Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) is a popular plant growth regulator in the turfgrass industry that inhibits gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis and effectively reduces leaf elongation and subsequent clipping production. This greenhouse sand culture experiment was conducted to determine effects of TE application on kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) responses to salinity stress. The five salinity levels (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mm NaCl) were applied in nutrient solutions and TE treatments (0, 1, and 1.7 g/100 m2) were applied twice at 4-week intervals. Under non-saline conditions and low level salinity conditions, application of TE at 1 g/100 m2 (TE1) increased turf quality (TQ), leaf total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC), and chlorophyll (Chl) content. In high salinity, TE1 alleviated the decline in TQ, antioxidant enzyme activities, leaf TNC, Chl, and K+ content. In addition, treated turf with TE at 1 g/100 m2 had lower proline, Na+, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. However, the adverse effects of high salinities were more pronounced when turf was treated by TE at 1.7 g/100 m2 (TE1.7), suggesting that effects of TE on salt tolerance vary with its dosages and salinity levels. We concluded that moderate inhibition of GA biosynthesis by TE enhances salt tolerance in kentucky bluegrass and suggest that enhancement is the result of the maintenance of antioxidant activities, leading to more root growth and greater levels of TNC and Chl content. Chemical names used: 4-(cyclopropyl-β-hydroxymethylene)-3, 5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (trinexapac-ethyl).

Carbohydrate content, characterization and localization in bermudagrass stolons during establishment

Turfgrasses are continuously exposed to a wide range of detrimental stresses, such as mowing, traffic, low or high temperatures, salinity, drought, UV, hypoxia etc. Plant responses to stimuli involve nearly every aspect of plant physiology and metabolism. Carbohydrates, primary sucrose and starch, as principal metabolic products of photosynthesis, are stored in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) in stolons and rhizomes. Total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) levels have been used as indicators of health and physiological status in bermudagrass. TNC levels vary during the year and are weakly affected by N source. Establishment is a critical phase of bermudagrass management. The objectives of this research were to assess and characterize stolon carbohydrate content in nine bermudagrass cultivars during the full establishment phase in relation to establishment rates. Morphological and growth analyses showed distinct properties among the cultivars selected for this study. Significant differences in turf coverage among cultivars on each rating date were present starting from early growth stages. Carbohydrates localization was used to differentiate bermudagrass cultivars. The relationships between different carbohydrates and their role on growth were also explored. Gradients along the stolon from tip to older internodes were evident for starch. Our study provides further insight into bermudagrass physiology, with cultivar differences in carbohydrates production and localization providing valuable selection information for turfgrass breeders and practitioners, especially during the first year. Our data indicate that TNC levels were affected by cultivar and stolon maturity level. TNC content was found to correlate with establishment rate.

Ambient ozone effects on gas exchange and total non-structural carbohydrate levels in cutleaf coneflower ( Rudbeckia laciniata L.) growing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ozone-sensitive and -tolerant individuals of cutleaf coneflower ( Rudbeckia laciniata L.) were compared for their gas exchange characteristics and total non-structural carbohydrates at Purchase Knob, a high elevation site in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance decreased with increased foliar stipple. Sensitive plants had lower photosynthetic rates for all leaves, except the very youngest and oldest when compared to tolerant plants. Stomatal conductance decreased with increasing leaf age, but no ozone-sensitivity differences were found. Lower leaves had less starch than upper ones, while leaves on sensitive plants had less than those on tolerant plants. These results show that ambient levels of ozone in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can adversely affect gas exchange, water use efficiency and leaf starch content in sensitive coneflower plants. Persistence of sensitive genotypes in the Park may be due to physiological recovery in low ozone years.

Temporal heterogeneity of cold acclimation phenotypes in Arabidopsis leaves

To predict the effects of temperature changes on plant growth and performance, it is crucial to understand the impact of thermal history on leaf morphology, anatomy and physiology. Here, we document a comprehensive range of leaf phenotypes in 25/20 degrees C-grown Arabidopsis thaliana plants that were shifted to 5 degrees C for up to 2 months. When warm-grown, pre-existing (PE) leaves were exposed to cold, leaf thickness increased due to an increase in mesophyll cell size. Leaves that were entirely cold-developed (CD) were twice as thick (eight cell layers) as their warm-developed (WD) counterparts (six layers), and also had higher epidermal and stomatal cell densities. After 4 d of cold, PE leaves accumulated high levels of total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC). However, glucose and starch levels declined thereafter, and after 45 d in the cold, PE leaves exhibited similar TNC to CD leaves. A similar phenomenon was observed in delta(13)C and a range of photosynthetic parameters. In cold-treated PE leaves, an increase in respiration (R(dark)) with cold exposure time was evident when measured at 25 degrees C but not 5 degrees C. Cold acclimation was associated with a large increase in the ratio of leaf R(dark) to photosynthesis. The data highlight the importance of understanding developmental thermal history in determining individual phenotypic traits.

Effects of Trinexapac‐Ethyl Foliar Application on Creeping Bentgrass Responses to Combined Drought and Heat Stress

Simultaneous drought and heat stress is detrimental to turfgrass growth. Growth regulators may influence plant responses to stresses. The objective of this study was to determine effects of pretreatment with trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) responses to subsequent exposure to combined heat and drought stress. Plants were treated with TE (1.95 mL L−1 [v/v], Primo Maxx) every 14 d for 42 d and then exposed to combined drought and heat (35°C) in growth chambers. Application of TE increased turf quality and relative water content and chlorophyll content during 21 d of stress. Trinexapac‐ethyl–treated plants had increased growth rate and maintained constant canopy photosynthetic rate (Pn) and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) during the stress period, while these parameters declined for the untreated control. Trinexapac‐ethyl–treated plants maintained lower evapotranspiration rate (ET) under nonstressed control conditions, but higher ET at 21 d of stress. Trinexapac‐ethyl–treated plants showed no differences from untreated plants in osmotic adjustment, and had lower levels of total nonstructural carbohydrates during the stress period. The study suggests that TE application enhanced turf performance under stress, as demonstrated by maintenance of higher turf quality and growth rate during a prolonged period of com bined stress. The beneficial effects of TE on bentgrass stress responses could be related to the maintenance of photosynthetic activities and greater level of cellular hydration. These and other published data indicate that use of TE on creeping bentgrass that seasonally experiences heat and drought stresses could benefit its performance.

Leaf phenology and carbon dynamics in six leguminous trees

AbstractI documented photosynthetic rates and seasonal stem total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) in six leguminous tree species Burkea africana, Baikiaea plurijuga, Erythrophleum africanum, Guibourtia coleosperma, Julbernardia globiflora and Pterocarpus angolensis exhibiting a range of leaf phenological patterns. My goal was to (i) measure photosynthetic characteristics and levels of stored stem carbohydrates in species with varying patterns of leaf phenology and (ii) determine seasonal patterns of stem carbohydrate storage.Despite significant differences in the timing of bud break and leaf cover between the six species, there were no significant differences in maximum photosynthetic rate, quantum efficiency or light saturation point between species. Similarly, there was no significant difference in seasonal mean stem TNC levels despite significant differences in the timing of bud break and leaf cover both between species and within a single species. However, while the average amount of TNC does not seem to be related to leaf phenology, the patterns of carbohydrate use and storage do seem to be related to leaf phenology.

Metabolite mobilization in the stem galls of Parthenium hysterophorus induced by Epiblema strenuana inferred from the signatures of isotopic carbon and nitrogen and concentrations of total non‐structural carbohydrates

Abstract Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) is a weed of national significance in Australia. Among the several arthropod agents introduced into Australia to control populations of P. hysterophorus biologically, Epiblema strenuana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is the most widespread and abundant agent. By intercepting the normal transport mechanisms of P. hysterophorus, the larvae of E. strenuana drain nutrients, other metabolic products, and energy, and place the host plant under intense metabolic stress. In this study, determinations of total non‐structural carbohydrates (TNC) levels and carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of fixed products in different parts of the plant tissue, including the gall, have been made to establish the function of gall as a sink for the nutrients.Values of δ13C and δ15N in galls were significantly different than those in proximal and distal stems, whereas the TNC levels were insignificant, when measured in the total population of P. hysterophorus, regardless of plant age. However, carbon, nitrogen, and TNC signatures presented significant results, when assayed in different developmental stages of P. hysterophorus. Carbon isotope ratios in galls were consistently more negative than those from the compared plant organs. Nitrogen isotope ratios in galls, on the contrary, were either similar to or less negative than the compared plant organs, especially within a single host‐plant stage population (i.e., either rosette, preflowering, or flowering stage). TNC levels varied within compared plant populations. The stem distal to the gall functioned more efficiently as a nodal channel than the stem proximal to the gall, especially in the translocation of nitrogenous nutrients. Our findings indicate that the gall induced by E. strenuana functions as a sink for the assayed nutrients, although some variations have been observed in the patterns of nutrient mobilization. By creating a sink for the nutrients in the gall, E. strenuana is able to place the overall plant metabolism under stress, and this ability indicates E. strenuana has the necessary potential for use as a biological‐control agent.

Nonstructural Carbohydrate and Digestibility Patterns in Orchardgrass Swards during Daily Defoliation Sequences Initiated in Evening and Morning

Herbage soluble carbohydrate (SC) levels vary diurnally and livestock intake can be higher for herbage harvested or allocated to animals in the evening than in the morning. Few assessments of SC and digestibility patterns have been made during sward depletion in rotationally stocked orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). We tested the hypothesis that simulated evening daily pasture allocation increases 24‐h mean herbage SC and digestibility levels relative to morning allocation. Total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) levels were compared during 24‐h clipping sequences initiated at 1900 h (PM) and 0700 h (AM). Sward height was progressively reduced from 40 to 8 cm at 6‐h intervals in October, June, and August. Successively lower horizons from defoliation sequences and also from control areas that were not under progressive defoliation were analyzed. Digestibility and TNC levels varied diurnally and seasonally, and were often higher for PM sequences, but differences among 24‐h means were small. Daily mean TNC levels for defoliation sequences initiated in PM and AM were 138 vs. 132, 93 vs. 88, and 72 vs. 60 g kg−1 in October, June, and August, respectively. In all periods, digestibility decreased from approximately 920 to 800 to 890 g kg−1 during sward depletion and displayed similar patterns between defoliation sequences. Patterns of TNC and digestibility during sward depletion may not be represented by those in intact swards, and PM allocation of daily herbage may not increase 24‐h mean dietary TNC density relative to AM allocation. Daily quantities of ingested TNC could be higher for PM herbage allocation if livestock consume proportionately more herbage in the PM than we simulated.

Temporary Covers Maintain Fall Bermudagras Quality, Enhance Spring Greenup, and Increase Stem Carbohydrate Levels

The ability of a temporary turf cover and foliar-applied iron (Fe) to sustain or promote bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) × transvaalensis Burtt-Davy `Tifway' growth beyond its normal growing periods in central Mississippi was evaluated during the fall, winter, and spring seasons of 1998-2001. The application of a polypropylene turf blanket when night temperatures were predicted to be ≤4 °C extended acceptable bermudagrass turf quality by 5 to 8 weeks in the fall and winter period as compared to the uncovered control plots. Also, complete green-up of the turf occurred 4 to 6 weeks earlier the following spring. There was no enhancement in bermudagrass quality by temporarily covering at predicted night temperatures of ≤15 or ≤9.5 °C. Foliar applied iron (Fe) further enhanced turf quality in the fall and winter months, but resulted in no visible turf response the following spring. Total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations in rhizomes that were sampled during November, January, and April 2000 and 2001 were generally increased by the cover application as compared to the uncovered control. Foliar Fe applications did not influence TNC levels.