Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Reserve polysaccharides were stored at high levels in rhizomes of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.). Polysaccharide level in the rhizome dropped within 24 hr after treatment with 2,3,6-trichlorophenylacetic acid (fenac). Fructosans were hydrolyzed to yield increased levels of simple sugar. Sucrose concentration was slightly lower in treated rhizomes. Glucose was low in untreated rhizomes, and fenac treatment resulted in slight increases in glucose levels. Rhizomes became enlarged, the epidermis was disrupted, and “root primordia” were observed in rows parallel to the main rhizome axis after 1 to 5 days in 10 ppmw of fenac solution. The new primordial growth occurred through activation of the interfascicular cambium.