This research was aimed at evaluating the variations of glucose, frutose and sorbitol content in one year old buds and stems of apple trees during the dormancy period. The stems of cv. Imperial Gala were collected in Porto Amazonas, Parana State, Brazil, at intervals of 21 days from April to August (April 19th, May 10th, May 31st, June 21st, July 12th, August 2nd and August 23rd) and were treated or not with 1,440 hours of chill (4 to 7°C). The carbohydrates were analysed in buds and stem tissues close to buds by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There was an increase of glucose, frutose and sorbitol content in apple tree buds during the dormancy. An increase of glucose and frutose content in stems occured until August 2nd followed by a significative reduction, while the sorbitol content decreased until June 21st followed by an increase until August 31st. The chill treatment during the dormancy period modified the variations of carbohydrate contents in buds and stems of apple tree.
Malus domestica Borkh.; Imperial Gala; carbohydrate
