| Abstract: | The compositions of the roots of nine varieties of swede of high, medium or low dry matter content and winter-hardiness have been compared in samples harvested in November 1982 or March 1983. There was between 52 and 63% of root dry matter as soluble glucose, fructose and sucrose, 18 to 22% as cell wall polymers, 10 to 12% as soluble phenolic material and 3 to 5% inorganic nutrients. The chemical composition and so, presumably, nutritive value of the low and medium winterhardiness varieties were unchanged over the sampling period, whereas the high winter-hardiness varieties increased their soluble sugar levels (particularly glucose) by 20% over the winter. |
