Nonstructural Carbohydrate and Crude Protein in Pinegrass Storage Tissues

Abstract

Nonstructural carbohydrates in storage tissues of pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens Buckl.) consist of sucrose, glucose, fructosan, and starch. The predominant polymer is a long-chain fructosan. An acid-extractable structural carbohydrate appeared to be xylan. Total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) of rhizome plus root tissue decreased during May, reached a minimum value during late May to early June, increased until late June, remained constant until late August, and then increased until November. The TNC level of crown tissue was low during May and early June and reached a peak during July and again in the fall. The crude protein concentration of rhizome plus root tissues was relatively constant throughout the season. Rhizome plus roots accumulated the largest amounts of TNC and crude protein.