CARBOHYDRATE CHANGES IN CHICORY (CICHORIUM-INTYBUS L VAR FOLIOSUM) DURING GROWTH AND STORAGE

The levels of sucrose and fructose in chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum) roots remain about the same over the growing season while levels of total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) and fructans increase. At the onset of cooler fall temperatures and especially during storage, sucrose and fructose contents increase. Concurrently, a second fructan series that contains no glucose (inulo-n-ose; n = 2-18) accumulates, while at the same time, fructans (inulin) with a high degree of polymerization (DP) and TNC decrease. Chicory leaves contain low concentrations of fructans. Only trace amounts were found in the leaf lamina but leaf petioles, especially in the basal region, contained higher levels. The inulo-n-ose series up to DP 4 (inulotetraose) is also detectable in leaves.