Further study on fructooligosaccharides of Rhodobryum ontariense

The identification of nystose and 1^F-ß-fructofuranosylnystose in the oligosaccharide-rich fraction of the moss Rhodobryum ontariense (Kindb.) Kindb. (Bryaceae) by thin layer chromatography and high pressure chromatography with anion exchange-pulsed amperometric detector is discussed. According to our knowledge, it is the first record of these saccharides in the genus Rhodobryum as well as in the group of mosses as a whole. The findings are in good agreement with the recent isolation of 1-kestose from the same plant material and confirm that short-chain fructooligosaccharides, well known as prebiotics, are present in the examined bryophyte.