PROXIMATE AND FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION CHANGES IN DEVELOPING SANDALWOOD(SANTALUM-SPICATUM) SEEDS

Changes in the proximate composition of developing seeds of sandalwood (Santalum spicatum R Pr) were quantified. The developing fruits were collected regularly over a period of 5 months commencing 14 days after flower opening. Rapid deposition of seed lipid began at about 91 days after flowering (DAF) at a level of 4 g kg(-1) and continued to about 396 g kg(-1) at 147 DAF. Protein and ash contents displayed similar t rends to that of lipid with a corresponding decrease in moisture conte nt. Fatty acid analysis of the seed oil demonstrated marked changes in composition during seed development. In particular, major increases i n oleic and ximenynic acids were noted with corresponding decreases in the other fatty acids.