STUDY ON FATTY ACID COMPOSITION DURING GERMINATION OF PEANUTS TREATED WITH GROWTH REGULATORS

The fatty acid metabolism during germination of a special variety of peanuts treated with growth regulators, viz., GA, AA, Suc, Sul, MH and DW have been studied in sterile media for 1, 3, 6, 10, 14 and 18 days. No marked variation in the oil content of the control and the treated seeds is found during the initial period of germination. Initial growth is explained on the basis of energy supplied by the FFA and carbohydrates (as they are found decreasing during the 24 hr of germination). Practically no accumulation of FFA is observed throughout the complete period of germination. The mode of utilization of neutral oil with the period of germination is correlated with growth. The varied effect of growth regulators on the fat metabolism is explained assuming their various effects on mitochondria, the enzyme center, and on the process of photosynthesis. Active metabolism is marked from the sixth day of germination for both treated and control seeds. From the beginning of germination, interconversion of fatty acids is marked. Metabolism of fatty acids during germination is reported with the preferential utilization of 18:2 acid. © 1965 American Oil Chemists' Society.