Changes in carbohydrates during growth and development of cheena ( Panicum milaceum Linn.)

Changes in carbohydrates of cheena have been studied from the stage of maximum vegetative growth to maturity. Sucrose, glucose and fructose are the major sugars detected in both leaves and stem at all these stages of growth. Some glucofructosans are also synthesised and their number increases towards maturity of the plant. The concentrations of total water‐soluble carbohydrates, free glucose and bound fructose increase in the younger leaves and decrease in the older ones. There is a slight increase in the concentration of free‐fructose and bound glucose in the older leaves towards senescence. In the stem, the total water‐soluble carbohydrates and bound fructose increase to maximum level between the milk stage and dough stage and thereafter decline with maturity. The concentration of free glucose gradually increases in the older stem and reaches maximum value at 70‐day growth period. Cellulose content decreases beyond flowering showing again a sharp increase towards desiccation of the stem. The crude protein decreases as the plant matures and at all stages of growth the level of crude protein is higher in leaves than in the stem.