Developmental changes in fatty acid composition of oil in kernel fractions of corn (Zea mays L.)

Gas liquid chromatography was used to determine the change in fatty acid composition of oil from three kernel fractions (pericarp, endosperm and germ) during kernel maturation of four inbred lines of corn. Inbred lines were sibpollinated, and sampling of ears began six days after pollination (DAP) and continued at three day intervals until 33 DAP and then at weekly intervals until 54 DAP. Proportion of palmitic acid in the pericarp oil rapidly decreased between 6 and 12 DAP while oleic and linoleic acids increased during the same period. Changes in fatty acid composition of oil from the endosperm during kernel maturation were erratic and no consistent trends were evident. In the germ oil, palmitic and linolenic acid proportions decreased during kernel maturation, while oleic acid decreased and linoleic acid increased during kernel maturation for three of the four inbred lines. By about 24 to 27 DAP, the fatty acid composition of oil in the mature kernel was established. Since kernel fractions are of different genetic origin, a study of developmental changes in lipid classes or in fatty acid composition of oil should be limited within kernel fractions that have a similar genetic constitution. Approved as Journal Series Paper No. 723, University of Georgia, College of Agriculture Experiment Stations.