To investigate the changes in the composition and pool size of carbohydrates under drought stress, white clover (Triforium repens L.) were exposed to -0.04 Mpa(well-watered, control) or to -0.12 Mpa (drought-stressed) of soil water potential during 28 days. Dry weight of leaves in drought-stressed plants was remarkably decreased by 45% within 14 days and 74% within 28 days compared to those of the control. Glucose concentration in drought-stressed plants was increased, while that of control was slightly decreased or remained at same level throughout experimental period. Fructose and sucrose concentrations in leaves were not significantly changed for drought-stressed plants, but those of the control were significantly decreased on plant after 14 days. Fructose and sucrose concentrations in stolon of control plants were sharply decreased, while that of drought-stressed plants was less varied. Those concentrations in roots were generally increased in drought-stressed plants. The concentration of total soluble sugars at 28 day was 438.0 and 632.6 mg g-l dwt. in control and drought stressed plants, respectively. Starch concentration of stolon and roots of control plants was significantly increased to 2.0 and 1.4 times of initial level, respectively, whereas those of drought stressed plants was nearly same level or slightly decreased compared to initial level.l.

• Bok-Rye Lee
• Woo-Jin Jung
• Dae-Hyun Kim
• Kil-Yong Kim
• Tae-Hwan Kim