Changes in carbohydrates during growth and development of bajra (Pennisetum typhoides), jowar (Sorghum vulgare) and kangni (Setaria italica)

Qualitative and quantitative changes in carbohydrate contents have been studied during the growth and development of bajra ( Pennisetum typhoides ), jowar ( Sorghum vulgare ) and kangni ( Setaria italica ). Besides traces of glucofructosans, sucrose, glucose and fructose are the principal sugars present in the leaf and stem tissues of all stages of growth. As growth proceeds, water‐soluble carbohydrates increase in the stem, attaining a maximum value at flowering and initiation of seed formation and thereafter steadily decline reaching a low value at maturation. Cellulose also increases with growth in bajra and jowar stem. This increase is more marked at early stages of growth. Starch content gradually increases with the simultaneous decrease in free and total reducing sugars in the developing grains. Some fructosans are also synthesised in the grains during their formation and presumably serve as intermediates in the synthesis of starch.