Variation of cyclopropenoid fatty acids in cottonseed lipids

The proportions of the cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPA) esters, malvalate and sterculate, varied little in lipids from individual cottonseeds. Coefficients of variation were 10% and 20% for seeds from a lock and 13 varieities, respectively. Within the seed, variations in CPA concentrations were very large. Cyclopropenoid fatty acid concentration in the lipids decreased from 28% in the root tip to 2% in the top of the axis, and to 0.02% in the portion of the cotyledons nearest to the hull. The axial portion was only ca. 5% of the kernel, yet it contained 75% of the CPA. Distribution of dihydrosterculic acid, the precursor of CPA, was similar to that of CPA. High concentrations of CPA were found in immature seeds, root tip and radicle of germinated seeds, and root tips of cotton plants. Presented at the 73rd annual AOCS meeting, Toronto, Ontario, May 1982. One of the facilities of the Southern Region, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Names of companies or commercial products are given solely for the purpose of providing specific information; their mention does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.