British bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta (L.) Chouard ex Rothm.) were
studied for their carbohydrate content, phenology and biomass allocation and
the associated physiological changes. Carbohydrate content of different parts
of the plant, including roots, bulbs, leaves, scapes and flowers, were studied as
total non-structural carbohydrates. Biomass and carbohydrate analysis results
showed greater allocation to bulbs compared to any other vegetative part.
Analysis of fructans in the bulbs showed the presence of large proportions of the
polysaccharide comprising about 77% DW in mid-June 2014. The lowest fructan
content of 41% DW was found at the start of re-growth in January-February
2015. The mono and disaccharide pool in the bulbs showed high concentrations
at the start of the growth period suggesting depolymerisation of fructans at this
stage and their mobilisation to the growing shoots. MALDI-TOF analysis of
bulb fructans showed the dominance of DP3 and DP4 chain fructans with the
presence of other longer chains up to DP9 at the end of the vegetative stage in
July until shoot emergence in March.