CHANGES IN FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION OF SALT-STRESSED GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS-HYPOGAEA L) SEEDLINGS

The effect of two salts of sodium on the lipid metabolism of the groun dnut seedling during germination was analysed. Reducing sugars, ail an d fatty acid contents were quantified. With progressive germination, c ontents of reducing sugars increased whereas oil content decreased. Wi th salt stress oil content increased. Analysis of fatty acids revealed synthesis and/or accumulation of unsaturated, and high proportion of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in salt treated cotyledons. The c hanges in fatty acids fractions are discussed in relation to the plant 's specific response to salinity.