Lipid changes in barley seedlings subjected to water and cold stress

Abstract

Barley seedlings were subjected to water and cold stress, and the composition of lipid fractions and the accumulation of several low molecular weight metabolites in leaves determined. Proline, glycine-betaine and the total polar lipid content increased in seedlings under water stress. Proline and sucrose content decreased to 50% after 48 hr of cold treatment. The fatty acid composition and unsaturation ratio of phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl glycerol, monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and digalactosyl diacylglycerol were determined in seedlings under both stress treatments. The content of linolenic acid increased in stressed seedlings but was significantly higher in cold stressed plants.