Lipids in rye seedlings in relation to vernalization.

Increasing the chilling time from 1 to 8 weeks decreased the time to heading of winter rye (Secale cereale var. Sangaste) to approximate that of the spring variety (Prolific). On a dry weight basis, the total phospholipid content of the embryos was higher in Sangaste but declined in both varieties during chilling. The proportions of the individual phospholipid components were similar for both varieties and showed similar responses during the 8-week chilling period. Phosphatidylcholine declined and phosphatidic acid increased in both varieties during the treatment.During the initial 3 weeks, an increased accumulation of linolenic acid and a corresponding decline in linoleic acid occurred for all the lipid components and then remained relatively stable. The glycolipids were more unsaturated than the phospholipids; however, the amount of linolenate was approximately doubled in both during the treatment. In general, the fatty acid content of the respective lipid classes were similar for both varieties.