Changes in Fatty Acids, Tocochromanols, Carotenoids and Chlorophylls Content During Flaxseed Development

A comparative study was performed to determine tocopherols, tocotrienols, fatty acids, and pigments content during the development of three varieties of flaxseed (H52, O116 and P129). Seed samples were collected at regular intervals from 7 to 56 days after flowering (DAF). The highest content of chlorophyll (89.72-130.5 mg/kg oil) was detected at 7 DAF. The maximum level of carotenoids (52.10-65.55 mg/kg oil) was reached at 21 DAF. During seed development, unsaturated fatty acids are the major component, reaching 85% of the total fatty acids while saturated fatty acids content were about 15%. The maximum level of gamma-tocopherol (585 mg/kg oil) was reached at 42 DAF in P129 variety. These results may be useful for evaluating the flaxseed quality and determining its optimal harvest period.