Triacylglycerol and phospholipid composition of hazelnut (Corylus avellanaL.) lipid fraction during fruit development

We analyzed the triacylglycerol and phospholipid contents of hazelnuts from early development to maturity. Both were analyzed by high-performance liqu id chromatography coupled to a light scattering detector. Trioleylglycerol, linoleyl-dioleylglycerol, and palmitoyl-dioleylglycerol were the most pred ominant triacylglycerols throughout development. Triacylglycerols showed sm all variation during hazelnut development. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidy lethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol were the most abundant phospholipid s. Traces of phosphatidic acid were also detected. The statistical analysis showed that the positive correlation among the individual phospholipid con tents was significant. Phospholipid contents showed a steep decrease during hazelnut development. Triacylgycerols and phosphatidylcholine were isolate d by preparative thin-layer chromatography, and their fatty acid profile wa s determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Triacylglycerols showed a high p ercentage of monounsaturated fatty acid moieties, whereas phosphatidylcholi ne had the highest percentage of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid m oieties. The polyunsaturated fatty acid moiety showed low percentages in th e triacylglycerol and phospholipid backbone.