Abstract
A study was conducted on little bluestem to relate seasonal carbohydrate trends with developmental morphology and to determine the relative importance and functional roles of the major metabolic carbohydrates. The morphological stages of development for little bluestem appeared to follow a sequential pattern. Each proceeding stage molded into the succeeding stage with no sharp change over time. The development of little bluestem tillers destined to flower were divided into five stages: 1) tiller formation, 2) spring vegetative, 3) culm elongation, 4) flowering and maturation, and 5) fall vegetative. Leaf sucrose concentration and root starch concentration were the best indicators for changes in morphological stages of development. Trends of ethanol extractable carbohydrates concentration from foliage material corresponded closely to available photosynthetic area. ...
Smith, Albert Ernest (1969). Relationship of carbohydrate trend to the morphological development of Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash. tillers. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -175598.