Roles of Auxin and Cytokinin in Soybean Pod Setting

Abstract

Soybean plants differentiate abundant floral buds, but most of them fail to grow pods and abort during development. Many studies indicated promotive effects of exogenously applied cytokinin on pod setting, but the effects of auxin application on pod set are ambiguous. In this study, we examined the changes in the concentrations of endogenous auxin and cytokinin in racemes and the effects of application of the two hormones on pod setting to clarify the role of auxin and cytokinin in soybean pod setting. The long-raceme soybean genotype IX93-100 was grown in pots and in the field. The auxin (IAA, indoleacetic acid) concentration in racemes was high for a long period from pre-anthesis to 9 days after anthesis (DAA) of the first flower on a raceme, but the cytokinin concentration was high for a short period, with a peak at 9 DAA. The IAA concentration was higher in distal portions of racemes, but the cytokinin concentration was higher in basal portions of racemes. In pot-grown plants, IAA applied to racemes tended to reduce the number of flowers and pods. In contrast, 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) applied to racemes before anthesis tended to reduce the number of flowers and pods, and that applied around 7 DAA significantly increased the pod-set percentage. However, these effects of IAA and BA application were slight in field-grown plants. These results indicate that the concentration of endogenous auxin and cytokinin in racemes changes in a different manner, and that cytokinins have a positive, and auxin a negative effect on pod setting when respective hormones are applied to racemes after the anthesis stage.     

Intra-Raceme Variation in Pod-Set Probability Is Associated with Cytokinin Content in Soybeans

Summary

A large proportion of flowers abscise during development in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.). A reduction in this abscission might increase pod and seed number, and thereby can lead to an increased yield. Previous studies showed that pod-set probability was greater at proximal positions of individual racemes, and that the probability was enhanced by the exogenously applied cytokinins. However, whether intra-raceme variation in the pod-set probability relates to endogenous cytokinin levels remains unknown. To address this question, intra-raceme variation in cytokinin content and pod-set probability was investigated. A soybean genotype 1X93-100, which has long racemes, was grown in an environmentally controlled chamber (30/20°C day/night temperature, 15 h day length, 600 μmol m^–2s^–1 photosynthetic photon flux density). Flowers, which were divided into three floral positions (proximal, middle, distal) on individual racemes, were sampled at intervals after anthesis. The cytokinins in the samples were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and further quantified by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The GG-MS analysis revealed that cis-zeatin riboside (c-ZR) and isopentenyl-adenosine (iPA) were predominant forms of cytokinin in soybean racemes. The total amount of these cytokinins in racemes, which was monitored by EIA, peaked one to two weeks after the first flowering on a raceme, when pod development was initiated. Within individual racemes, the total cytokinin concentrations were greater at more proximal floral positions, as was the probability of pod set. Removal of proximal flowers at anthesis enhanced both cytokinin concentrations and pod set at middle positions on the raceme. Thus, pod-set probability was significantly associated with the cytokinin concentration at different floral positions within individual soybean racemes.     

施氮量对两个粒型小麦品种籽粒胚乳细胞增殖及糖含量的影响

为了解小麦胚乳细胞增殖、糖代谢在粒型间的差异及氮营养的调控效应,2009-2010年度以大粒型品种郑育麦9987和小粒型品种郑麦004为材料,研究了施氮量对小麦籽粒胚乳细胞增殖、细胞壁转化酶活性及糖含量的影响。结果表明,郑育麦9987胚乳细胞数(11.92×105)较郑麦004(10.73×105)多11.1%。施氮量影响籽粒胚乳细胞数,其中郑育麦9987低氮处理(150kg·hm-2)的胚乳细胞数目较高氮处理(300kg·hm-2)增加29.1%,而郑麦004则表现为高氮处理较低氮处理增加44.7%。两品种籽粒细胞壁转化酶活性均于花后5~8d达到峰值,花后20d则降到较低水平;籽粒可溶性糖和蔗糖含量均随灌浆进程整体呈先上升后下降趋势,在花后25d有一个小波峰。增施氮肥可增加籽粒细胞壁转化酶活性,提高后期籽粒可溶性糖和蔗糖含量。表明增施氮肥有利于小麦籽粒胚乳细胞增殖、光合产物的积累与运转,从而提高了粒重。     

关中平原小麦品种穗部温度演替特征及其与产量的关系

为探究关中地区小麦品种穗部温度的演替特征及其与产量的关系,以关中平原过去80年主推品种为研究对象,对各品种开花期、花后7 d、花后14 d、花后21 d、花后28 d和成熟期穗部温度、穗数、穗粒数、千粒重、穗粒重和产量及其关系进行分析。结果表明,小麦品种开花期和花后穗部温度随审定年份的递进分别呈现逐渐升高和降低趋势,穗数、穗粒数、千粒重、穗粒重和产量均呈现逐渐增加趋势。开花期穗部温度与穗粒重、产量及其构成因素均呈正相关,而花后穗部温度与之均呈负相关。这说明穗部温度在开花期较高、在花后较低时有利于小麦产量形成,可作为小麦高产品种选育的参考指标。     

Puroindolines are associated with decreased polar lipid breakdown during wheat seed development

The wheat Hardness (Ha) locus consists of Puroindoline a (Pina) and Puroindoline b (Pinb) and controls whether wheat is soft or hard textured. PINA and PINB act cooperatively to create grain softness and are associated with increased polar lipids at seed maturity. Here we examined developing seeds varying in PINA or PINB content to identify when polar lipid differences occur. One population carried Wild Type (WT) PINA while varying for the presence of PINB, while the other population carried a WT PINB and segregated for PINA. For the PINB segregating population, polar lipids were maximal on a per mg dry weight basis at 7–14 days after anthesis (DAA) while for PINA segregating population, total polar lipids were maximal at 7–21 DAA. The most abundant polar lipids at maturity were mono- and di- galactosyldiglyceride. No individual polar lipid species were specific to PINA or PINB. The effect of both PINA and PINB increased throughout seed development with greater decreases in the most abundant polar lipids in genotypes lacking either PINA or PINB. The results indicate that PINA and PINB act cooperatively to prevent polar lipid breakdown during seed maturation and that this process is central to the development of grain softness.     

耕作方式和施氮量对旱地冬小麦开花后干物质转运特征、糖含量及产量的影响

为探讨耕作方式和氮肥对旱地小麦的互作效应,在甘肃半干旱雨养农业区大田试验条件下,采用双因素裂区设计,以常规耕作(CT)、秸秆还田(CTI)、全膜覆土穴播(PM)、免耕秸秆覆盖(NTS)4种耕作方式为主区,75、150、225、300kg·hm~(-2)4个施氮量(分别用N1～N4表示)为副区,分析了不同耕作方式及施氮量组合处理下旱地冬小麦花后干物质转运、糖含量及产量的差异。结果表明,4种耕作方式中,PM的株高最高,叶面积最大,籽粒产量最高,较CT增产14.50%。PM增产主要是通过增加穗长和穗粒数来实现,也归因于花前营养器官干物质的积累量及其在花后向籽粒中转运量、转运效率和对籽粒产量的贡献率较CT显著增加,特别是增加了叶片和颖壳的干物质转运量、转运效率。CTI的千粒重和有效穗数虽然最高,但产量与CT无显著差异;NTS的株高、千粒重、有效穗数、干物质积累量和花后向籽粒中转运量均处于较低水平,产量较CT降低16.74%。施氮显著增加了旱地冬小麦的籽粒产量,平均产量表现为N4N2N3N1。CT、CTI、NTS下,施氮的增产作用显著,但PM下不显著。在所有处理中,PMN2的籽粒产量最高,比最低的NTSN1增加70.55%。施氮增产的原因主要是促进了不同器官干物质积累和开花后干物质转运。NTS提高了各器官的可溶性糖含量,但其效应在不同生育时期存在差异,茎秆主要表现在开花后20～30d,叶片和颖壳在开花后10～40d,叶鞘在开花后20～40d,籽粒在开花后10～30d。施氮显著降低了开花后0～30d茎秆和叶片的可溶性糖和蔗糖含量,但显著增加了开花后20d籽粒的可溶性糖含量。以上结果说明,在甘肃旱地雨养农业区,常规耕作、秸秆还田、全膜覆土穴播下冬小麦高产的氮肥施用量以中等水平(150kg·hm~(-2))最佳,免耕秸秆覆盖下需增加氮肥施用量(300kg·hm~(-2))。     

Effect of heat stress on wheat proteins during kernel development in wheat near-isogenic lines differing at Glu-D1

Two near-isogenic lines of the wheat variety Lance having Glu-D1a (HMW-GS 2 + 12) and Glu-D1d (HMW-GS 5 + 10) were subjected to several regimes of heat stress. In 2001, the temperature regimes were (i) 20/16 (day/night, °C) from planting to maturity, (ii) 20/16 except for a 3-day heat treatment of 35/20, 25 days after anthesis and (iii) 20/16 until 25 DAA, after which plants were subjected to 40/25 until maturity. In 2002, treatments (i) and (iii) were the same while treatment (ii) used a temperature of 40/25 °C for 3 days at 25 DAA. Seed was collected at 3-day intervals starting from 16 days after anthesis and analyzed for protein composition by SE-HPLC. The line with the Glu-D1d allele showed an earlier polymerization of glutenin than its allelic counterpart and a higher molecular weight of glutenin at maturity, this being deduced from measurements of the percentage of unextractable polymeric protein. It is postulated that the timing and rate of glutenin polymerization, and the timing of high temperature application may be the key factors contributing to an explanation of the effect of heat stress on functionality.     

Prediction of grain protein content in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using plant pigment ratio (PPR)

The applicability of the hyperspectral data from the canopy to the prediction of wheat grain quality was assessed for winter wheat. A training experiment and a validation experiment with contrasting nitrogen (N) levels and different cultivars were conducted, respectively, at different locations in Beijing, China. The wheat canopy spectral reflectance over 350–2500 nm, leaf N concentration and chlorophyll (Chl) concentration were measured at different growth stages, and the grain protein content was also determined after harvest. Eight vegetation indices (VIs) were compared relating to leaf N concentration, and the result indicated that the plant pigment ratio (PPR, (R550−R450)/(R550+R450)), a Chl-based index, was most applicable to predict wheat grain protein due to its significant correlation with leaf N concentration at the post-anthesis stage. Based on the relationships among PPR, leaf Chl concentration, leaf N concentration, and grain protein content, the statistical prediction models of grain protein content for Zhongyou9507 (a hard winter wheat) and Jingdong8 (a semi-hard winter wheat) were developed. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the 18 DAA (days after anthesis) model of Zhongyou9507 was 0.175; those of the anthesis model and the 11 DAA model of Jingdong8 were 0.238 and 0.982, respectively. Taking both the precision and accuracy into account, the 18 DAA model of Zhongyou9507 and the anthesis model of Jingdong8 were recommended to predict grain protein content for each cultivar. The result demonstrated that PPR could be used to assess grain quality of winter wheat.     

Effects of Application of N,P And K Alone Or In Combination on Growth,Yield And Curcumin Content of Turmeric(Curcuma Longa L.)

Abstract

The effect of nitrogen (N) application rates at active tillering and anthesis on grain yield and protein content of a bread wheat cultivar, ‘Minaminokaori’, was examined in the field study conducted in Fukuoka, Japan. Number of spikes, leaf area index (LAI), and SPAD value at anthesis increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing N application rate at active tillering. Grain yield also increased significantly (P < 0.05) because of the increased number of spikes. However, grain yield did not increase significantly (P > 0.05) with increasing N application rate at anthesis. The slope of the relationship between N application rate at active tillering and grain yield was about 3 times that of the relationship between N application rate at anthesis and grain yield. These results indicate that N application at active tillering is more effective than N application at anthesis for increasing grain yield. Increasing N application rate at active tillering and anthesis generally increased grain protein content. However, the slope of the relationship between N application rate at anthesis and grain protein content was about 2 times that of the relationship between N application rate at active tillering and grain protein content. These results indicate that N application at anthesis is more effective than N application at active tillering for increasing grain protein content. The interaction between N application rates at active tillering and anthesis was significant (P < 0.05) for grain protein content. With the application of 4 g N m^–2 at active tillering, grain protein content increased linearly at a rate of about 0.5% per 1 g N m^–2 (from 10.9% to 14.0%) with increasing N application rate (from 0 to 6 g N m^–2) at anthesis. However, the rate of increase in grain protein content with increasing N application rate at anthesis was greater with 0 g N m^–2 at active tillering than that with 4 g N m^–2 at active tillering, whereas that with 8 g N m^–2 at active tillering was smaller than that with 4 g N m^–2 at active tillering. Application of 8 g N m^–2 at tillering resulted in the highest SPAD value at anthesis; this was followed by the results for 4 and 0 g N m^–2. Therefore, the SPAD value may be an important trait to decide N application rate at anthesis.     

授粉处理对“度尾文旦”柚果皮内源激素的影响

研究授粉处理对"度尾文旦"[Citrus grandis(L.)Osbeck.Cv.Duweiwendan]柚果实发育期间内源赤霉素(GA3)、脱落酸(ABA)、生长素(LAA)和玉米素核苷(ZR)的影响.结果表明:"度柚6号"和"琯溪蜜柚"授粉对"度尾文旦"柚果皮内源激素含量的影响大致类似;授粉处理增加了授粉后30～60d及授粉后90～120d的ABA含量;授粉处理增加了"度尾文旦"柚果实细胞分裂初期和授粉后60～130d的GA3含量:授粉处理降低了授粉后40～90d的ZR含量,增加了授粉后90～140d的ZR含量;授粉处理降低了"度尾文旦"柚整个果实发育过程中果皮的LAA含量;授粉处理增加了"度尾文旦"柚果实发育期间尤其是授粉后90～140d的ABA/(ZR LAA GA3)的比值.     

人工疏果对龙眼果实大小、内源激素和细胞壁成分的影响

在花后1个月内分2次对储良龙眼(Dimocarpus Longan Lour.cv.Chuliang）进行人工疏果处理（总疏果幅度50%左右）。结果表明,人工疏果可以促进果实的生长（与对照相比,横径和果实重量至采收分别增加了7.1%和22.5%）。果实中GA4 7和ZRs含量均表现为疏果处理大于对照,其差异在出现含量高峰时增大,而IAA含量也是疏果处理大于对照,但其差异主要出现在花后45d和花后100d。在整个果实发育期间,疏果处理与对照果皮中细胞壁成分变化的趋势基本相似,处理只是在后期才增加了果皮细胞壁中果胶,半纤维素和纤维素的含量,分别出现在花后90d后、60d和75d后,疏果处理对可溶性糖的含量无影响。根据试验结果推测：在果实发育前期,疏果处理显增加的内源细胞分裂素类水平,可能有利于促进细胞分裂和细胞数量;而在果实发育后期,增加的果皮细胞壁成分则为人工疏果促进果实生长（主要表现为细胞的膨大）提供了物质基础。     

SEED FORMATION IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS

During the interval from seed set to advanced shedding in a crop of S24 perennial rye-grass, a study was made of: seed drying, the increase in germinating capacity and weight of seed, and the shedding of florets. The seed in early-emerged heads dried more rapidly than that in later heads, and the seed in the upper parts of each spike was drier than in the lower parts. Seeds in early heads attained maximum germination values about 18 days after anthesis. The maximum value was lower in later heads and was not reached until approximately 26 days. Seed in early heads was 67% heavier than that in late heads and the basal florets in each spikelet contained heavier seed than more distal ones. The maximum weight of individual seeds was reached at about the same time in early-emerged and intermediate heads, at about 22 to 26 days after anthesis. Seed in late heads continued to inerease during the whole interval studied. Shedding began before seed reached maximum dry weight and continued at a constant rate. The combination of these processes led to the maximum yield of seed, of 100% germination, being obtainable over a period between 20 and 26 days after anthesis. Criteria are given which would permit this stage to be recognized.     

Improvement of Direct Somatic Embryogenesis in Rice by Selecting the Optimal Developmental Stage of Explant and Applying Desiccation Treatment

Summary

By selecting the optimal developmental stage of zygotic embryos used as expiants and applying desiccation treatment, we improved direct somatic embryogenesis in rice scutellum from two cultivars, Nipponbare and Sasanishiki. Zygotic embryos isolated 14-17, 21, 28-30 and 35-40 d after anthesis (DAA) from Nipponbare and 14-17, 18-21, 28-30 and 40-42 DAA from Sasanishiki were cultured on the embryo induction medium (EIM). Then they were transferred to embryo maturation medium (EMM) and germinated on the embryo germination medium (EGM). Only immature zygotic embryo isolated 14-17 DAA from Nipponbare and Sasanishiki could develop somatic embryos that germinated. Explants from embryos at other developmental stages could develop somatic embryos only until the elongating or scutellar stage. They enlarged and formed callus without further development. The EIM and EMM consisted of N6 macronutrients, B5 micronutrients, and B5 vitamins, supplemented with 0.1 g L^-1 casein hydrolysate, 1.5 g L^-1 proline and 1 g L^-1 MES buffer. EGM consisted of MS macro- and micronutrients and MS vitamins without organic supplement. In addition, 2 mg L^-1 2,4-D was added to EIM, 1 mg L^-1 2,4-D to EMM and 0.01 mg L^-1 zeatin to EGM. Developmental processes of somatic embryos derived from the expiants were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Desiccation treatment of maturing somatic embryo was proved to produce fully mature somatic embryos capable of germinating vigorously.     

Precipitation during anthesis reduces seed set in perennial ryegrass

In perennial ryegrass seed production, the establishment of seed yield potential occurs until the point of anthesis. However, utilizing potential seed yield is predominately focused on processes after anthesis, namely seed set (%) and seed filling. In practice, seed yield is the product of the number of harvested seeds remaining after cleaning and average seed weight. For this study, the anthesis patterns and seed set were recorded in a diploid variety grown in seed production fields in three different Danish regions with contrasting weather conditions and investigated in 2013 and 2014. Increases in the total precipitation during anthesis reduced the anthesis synchrony and the seed set, which ranged from 50% to 66%. Under semi‐controlled environmental conditions in which the influence of precipitation was excluded, the seed set was found to be influenced by the floret position in the spikelet and ranged from 73% in the florets in basal positions to 25% in the distal florets. It is suggested that a lower number of florets per spikelet will reduce the anthesis period. These results may provide insights for breeding programmes focused on increasing seed yield.     

离体穗培养条件下C、N供给对小麦穗粒数、粒重及蛋白质含量的影响

为探究C、N供给时期和供给水平对小麦籽粒建成及蛋白质含量的影响,以冬小麦品种济麦22为材料,采用离体穗培养的方法,设置了三个蔗糖浓度(C1:20 g·L-1;C2:40 g·L-1;C3:80 g·L-1)和四个硝酸铵水平(N1:0.57g·L-1;N2:1.14g·L-1;N3:2.28 g·L-1;N4:4.56g...     

Varietal Difference in the Occurrence of Delayed Stem Senescence and Cytokinin Level in the Xylem Exudate in Soybeans

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the varietal difference in the occurrence of delayed stem senescence (DSS) and cytokinin level in the xylem exudate in soybeans and the relationship between the occurrence of DSS and cytokinin level in the xylem exudate. Pot experiments were carried out in the experiment field at Nihon University in 2010, 2012 and 2013. In this experiment, we used 11 soybean varieties, which were cultivated in the Kanto region, Japan. The degree of DSS (DSS score) was positively correlated with the days from sowing to flowering stage (S-R2), and was higher in the varieties with a longer length of S-R2, though the correlation was not significant. Under some conditions, the DSS score was negatively correlated with S-R2. Moreover, the DSS score was positively or negatively correlated with the main stem diameter, total node number, stem dry weight and seed weight depending on the growth parameter or sowing date. Thus, we concluded that the DSS score was not correlated with the growth parameters. On the other hand, the level of cytokinins such as t-ZR and iPA shown by their amount in xylem exudate from a plant at the seed filling stage was negatively correlated with the DSS score. Thus, we consider that one of the reasons for varietal difference in DSS occurrence may be the difference in cytokinin content of stem and leaves after the seed filling stage.     

Variation in oil content and fatty acid profile of Calophyllum inophyllum L. with fruit maturity and its implications on resultant biodiesel quality

Variation in oil content and fatty acid profile (FAP) of Calophyllum inophyllum; a potential biodiesel feedstock species were studied at different maturity stages and biodiesel quality parameters were estimated based on the FAP. A steady increase in oil content was observed with maturity. Variation in palmitic (16:0) and linoleic (18:2) acids followed exactly opposite trends where palmitic acid content has decreased and linoleic acid content has increased 77 days after anthesis. Oleic acid (18:1) content has shown a steady increase. Stearic acid (18:0) content remained steady up to 68 days after anthesis and then felt slightly in 77 days after anthesis. Linoleic and eicosanoic acids were found to exist in low concentrations demonstrated very little compositional variation with fruit maturity. Estimated biodiesel parameters of all maturity stages were found to comply with industrial standards. Even though 48 days after anthesis had the most ideal FAP for biodiesel production, ∼77 days after anthesis is preferred point to harvest due to higher oil content.     

Seed physiological maturity in Cuphea

Cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × C. lanceolata f. silenoides W.T. Aiton, line PSR23) is a new crop being developed in the North Central United States, as an industrial oilseed crop. Cuphea PSR23 seed oil is rich in medium-chain-length fatty acids such as capric acid used to manufacture soaps and detergents. The objective of this research was to determine the time when physiological maturity of cuphea seed is reached and how seed development affects seed moisture, weight, oil content, fatty acid content, germination, and seedling vigor. To evaluate seed development, 2000 cuphea flowers were tagged at anthesis in the field at Prosper, North Dakota in 2004 and 2005. Each flower was tagged when open and the position on the main stem or branch was recorded. Two hundred capsules from the tagged flowers were harvested at 3- to 4-d intervals from 5- to 48-d post anthesis (DPA). Seed weight increased as a function of growing degree days (GDD) and the days from anthesis. Physiological maturity occurred when maximum dry seed weight was attained. Seed weight increases followed the Gompertz function with a R² = 0.90 (2004) and R² = 0.95 (2005). All capsules, regardless of their position on the stem, followed the same growth function for seed weight. The maximum dry seed weight estimated by the Gompertz function was 3.61 for 2004 and 3.58 mg seed⁻¹ for 2005. Physiological maturity estimated with a quadratic function occurred at 38 DPA or 270 GDD in 2004. In 2005, physiological maturity occurred at 26 DPA or 265 GDD. As a visual indicator when the capsules split-open seeds inside that capsule are physiologically mature. Seed moisture decreased from 900 g kg⁻¹ at 37 GDD post anthesis to 450 g kg⁻¹ at 319 GDD post anthesis in 2004; however, in 2005 seed moisture decreased from 850 to 81 g kg⁻¹ at 293 GDD post anthesis. Seed germination increased as seed developed and it was 83% when harvested 234 GDD post anthesis. Oil content increased from 98 g kg⁻¹ at 37 GDD post anthesis to 279 g kg⁻¹ 319 GDD post anthesis. Fatty acid composition varied throughout seed development. Seed development for 111 GDD and greater had more than 66% of capric acid (10:0). Cuphea should be harvested after 265 GDD post anthesis when most capsules on the main stem are split-open, have attained maximum seed weight, germination, seedling vigor, and oil content.     

Sorghum starch properties as affected by growing season,hybrid, and kernel maturity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical changes that occur in sorghum starch during grain maturity. Two sorghum hybrids were grown in irrigated plots in 2008 and 2009; upon reaching the mid-bloom stage in maturity approximately 200 heads were tagged in each plot. Samples were collected beginning ten days after anthesis (DAA) until harvest. The samples were then decorticated and the starch isolated. The starch granule size distribution was greatly affected by the collection date as well as the growing season and hybrid. The samples ranged from 16.3% amylose in 10 DAA to 23.3% amylose in 35 DAA. The crystallinity of the starch decreased as the DAA approached physiological maturity (35 DAA). Starch thermal properties were also altered due to DAA, most notably the ΔH was 16.1 J/g at 14 DAA, 11.95 J/g at 35 DAA, and 9.45 J/g at 56 DAA. The unique chemical and thermal properties of the starches could allow for utilization of the starch in differing applications.     

Storage and Remobilization of Soluble Carbohydrates after Heading in Different Plant Parts of a Winter Wheat Cultivar

Abstract

Several types of water soluble carbohydrates (WSG) were traced into plant parts of a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar from heading to physiological maturity. Field grown plants were harvested at intervals of a few days and divided into grain, chaff, leaf blades, leaf sheaths, rachis + peduncle and culm internodes. Leaf blades and sheath showed the peak of WSC contents at about anthesis. Culm internodes accumulated fructan and sucrose during the early grain-filling phase, from a week after anthesis until the milk-ripe stage, then remobilized them during late and final grain filling phases, from the milk-ripe stage until maturity. The amount of sucrose known as short-term storage WSC was higher than fructan known as long-term storage WSC in each internode throughout the grain-filling phase. Chaff showed a large amount of fructan and fructose before anthesis, although it did very little sucrose. A pattern of sucrose accumulation in chaff was very different from that of fructan, unlike the other parts. These patterns of changes in WSC contents in plant organs roughly corresponded with four grain-filling phases, the initial, early, late and final phases.