Metabolic changes associated with the level of frost tolerance by Avena sativa L.

In two oat genotypes, Llaofen and Yecufen, with higher and lower frost tole rance, respectively, the changes in frost tolerance (TL50), soluble carbohy rates, proteins and membrane lipids (phospholipids, galactolipids and fatty acids) under a chilling treatment (9/2 degrees C day/ night) were studied. The electrophoretic protein patterns were also investigated. Both genotype s showed acclimation capacity significantly associated with carbohydrate an d protein contents. Yecufen showed a higher acclimation capacity than Llaof en, concomitant with an increase of unsaturated fatty acids from the galact olipid fraction and a decrease of total galacto and phospholipids. These fr actions fluctuated during acclimation in Llaofen. No synthesis of new polyp eptides under cold treatment was found.