Master's Theses

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

A study was made to determine the effects of two soil moisture levels, field capacity and the permanent wilting percentage, on the total sugar content of the foliage of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), and big bluestem (Andropogaon gerardi). Polyethylene watering devices were constructed to aid in maintaining a soil moisture level approximately equal to the permanent wilting percentage. A fairly adequate water distribution was established. Chemical analyses were run by a colorimetric procedure and the data were then subjected to statistical analysis. Permanent wilting conditions had no significant effect on reducing sugars, but non-reducing and total sugars were significantly increased with decreased moisture. Stage of growth, however, produced a significant effect only on reducing sugars. The interaction of moisture on the stage of development also showed highly significant effects on the percentage of all sugar compounds. Effects of growth stage on the sugar content of the grass species was highly significant for reducing and total sugars, and significant at the five per cent level of probably for non-reducing sugars. Data concerning the second order interaction of species, growth stage, and moisture condition on sugar content are presented and discussed. Results obtained indicate reducing sugars play no significant role in regard to drought conditions for the grass species studied. A suggested trend of sugar stability at later growth stages was also found.

Keywords

Dissections, Grassland ecology, Grasses, Greenhouses, Hays (Kan.), Ellis County (Kan.), Fort Hays State University, Botany, Droughts

Advisor

Dr. Floyd E. Kisinger

Date of Award

Spring 1963

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

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