CHANGES IN FATTY-ACID AND LIPID-COMPOSITION OF WHEAT WHEN TREATED WITH A CHEMICAL HYBRIDIZING AGENT

The effects of the chemical hybridizing agent RH0007 (CHA or gametocid e) on the fatty acid composition of mature seeds, anthers and leaves o f Triticum aestivum were investigated. The fatty acid composition of s eeds of treated plants showed small but significant variations compare d with control material. Total lipid content of treated seeds decrease d markedly with gametocide treatment. Fatty acid composition and repar tition of polar lipids of anthers were not drastically altered by the treatment. In anthers of treated plants, linoleic acid content rose as oleic and linolenic acid percentages fell. Foliar sprays of CHA induc ed drastic decreases in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of treated leaves. Changes in fatty acid composition were not so marked as for p igment levels. Changes observed for anthers and leaves could be correl ated with a secondary herbicide effect of the gametocide but not with a primary action.