Trends of Nonstructural Carbohydrates in the Stem Bases of Switchgrass

Abstract

Carbohydrate reserves in the stem bases of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) reached their minimum percent in the spring growth, and in the regrowth after cutting, when the young tillers began to initiate their elongation (jointing). Cutting or grazing at this stage would weaken the plants as compared with cutting at the flowering stage, or later, when carbohydrate reserves have been restored to a high level.