When are food reserves at their highest in plants?

The highest concentration of food reserves in plants typically occurs in the roots during the dormant season. During this period, many plants, especially perennials, allocate energy to the roots where they store carbohydrates and other nutrients. These reserves are critical for the plant's survival during unfavorable conditions such as winter or drought.

As the plants enter dormancy, they divert energy from growth and reproduction to store food for the next growing season. This ensures that when active growth resumes in spring, the plant has a sufficient food supply to support new growth and flowering.

In contrast, during the active growth phase, plants deplete their reserves as they are focused on photosynthesis and growth, while flowering and seed production can consume significant resources, often leading to a reduction in reserves. Therefore, the roots during the dormant season are key for understanding where food reserves peak.