[Annual developmental cycle of roots and shoots in Symphytum officinale L. in relation to storage and consumption of carbohydrates].

The development of the root and shoot system of Symphytum officinale always begins with the formation of a rape with 6-8 leaves on its epicotyl. After this stage development is determined by the length of the day. If the day is shorter than 15 hours, the subterraneous organs grow thicker. Flower formation needs a day length of at least 12 hours, shoot growth a day length of 14 hours. The shorter the day length the more leaves are formed.Starch is always stored until 6-8 leaves are formed by the young plant. After this stage it is only stored when the days are longer than 14 hours. When the days are shorter the amount of starch is reduced, partly during the thickening of the subterraneous organs. Fructosans are stored and reduced independent of day length. They are consumed during shoot elongation and flowering.A hydrolysis of starch and fructosans is also caused by low temperatures during the winter.Starch and fructosans are stored to a different degree in the various subterraneous organs: the most is stored in the shoot-born roots and the least in the subterraneous shoot parts. In the latter organs the carbohydrate content is influenced the most by the growth processes.