Abstract

Roots of 4-6-year old European aspen and pubescent birch were collected monthly during 1983-87 and 1983-88, and analyzed to determine their starch, fructose and glucose concentration. Carbohydrate concentrations in aspen roots fluctuated with low levels in May-June. Seasonal variation was not as consistent in birch roots as in aspen roots. The drop during May-June occur as consistently in birch. Total carbohydrate concentrations in roots of birch collected form six latitudes (56-67° N.) in Sweden showed similar patterns of variation. There were no significant difference between starch concentrations among roots of different diameters (2-11 mm), nor did concentrations differ between sites at different distances (5-25 cm) from the main stem. It was difficult to visually differentiate between low and medium starch levels. Some practical implications of the results are discussed.

Keywords

European aspen; pubescent birch; fructose; glucose; roots; seasonal variation; starch; visual test

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
1993, Volume: 8, number: 1, pages: 94-106

SLU Authors

• Johansson, Tord

  • Department of Forest Yield Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02827589309382758

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/68949