| Abstract: | The soluble carbohydrate content of a Mediterranean and a NorthEuropean population of cocksfoot was studied at four temperaturesduring a 16-h light and an 8-h dark period. Ethyl alcohol andwater extractions were made of leaf blades and leaf sheaths.The extracts showed significant effects of temperature, population,and time of harvest. Fructosans in the leaf sheaths showed themost marked effect of temperature and population in that risingtemperature rapidly reduced the fructosan content which in theNorth European population was significantly higher at low temperatures.The greatest diurnal fluctuations of carbohydrates occurredin alcohol extracts from the leaf blades, with a rise in theirconcentration during the light period and a rapid fall in thedark. |
