Changes in the Carbohydrate Reserves of Ladino White Clover Following Defoliation

Abstract

Starch and sugars were determined in stolons and roots of Ladino clover plants taken from pastures and from soil cultures in the greenhouse. Starch was found to be the main storage product and sucrose often exceeded reducing sugars. The concns. of each were greater in stolons than in roots. Defoliation caused a depletion of these reserves in both stolons and roots. The depletion was greater when the level of the stored substances was high, and not so great when the levels were lower. After a period of 1 or 2 weeks re-storage occurred. The amt. of stored carbohydrates was affected by the number and frequency of defoliations and by the height above the soil at which the cutting was made. The amt. of new foliar growth produced after the defoliation was closely related to the level of carbohydrates at the time of the defoliation.