Seasonal Carbohydrate Reserve Cycles in Eight Desert Range Species

Abstract

Delineation of seasonal carbohydrate reserve cycles in important range plants is fundamental to development of a physiological index to proper season and intensity of range use. Carbohydrate reserves were studied with relation to growth stage of eight desert range plants in northern Utah. Most species showed definite seasonal trends. Results indicated that maximum plant vigor in relation to carbohydrate reserves depends upon reserve storage sometime at the end of the growth period.