Stage-specific metabolization of triacylglycerols during seed germination of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.)

BACKGROUNDA detailed study was carried out on Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) to investigate the mobilization of storage lipids during seed germination. RESULTSThin layer chromatography analysis of the total lipids showed a rapid decline in the triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) contents after the early stages (3-10 days after imbibition (DAI)) followed by a steady breakdown during the later stages (20 and 30 DAI) of germination. Trace amounts of monoacylglycerols (MAG) were identified during the final stage (30 DAI). Further, gas chromatography analysis showed an increase in the major unsaturated fatty acid (linoleic and linolenic) content from 3 to 10 DAI followed by a slow decline. In addition, the major saturated fatty acid (palmitic and oleic) content showed a decrease during the early stages (3-10 DAI) and an increase during the later stages (20 and 30 DAI). CONCLUSIONThe present study provides the first report on the metabolization of TAG along with fatty acid changes during the seed germination of Sacha Inchi. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry