Seasonal changes in carbohydrate and moisture content in needles of balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

Abstract

Starch, total sugar, fructose, glucose, sucrose, raffinose, crude fat, and moisture contents were determined for current and 1-year-old needles at about 2-week intervals throughout 1968. Seasonal fluctuations in moisture and carbohydrate content of each age of needles are described, compared, and related to seasonal changes in carbohydrate production and use.