Effects of EPTC and Dichlormid on Membrane Lipid Composition of Maize Leaves and Roots*

The changes in fatty acid composition o f maize leaf lipids caused by EPTC were generally similar to known effects o f this herbicide in other plants: decreasing o f linolenic acid content and increasing o f its precursors, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids. However, novel effects were detected in roots where the proportion o f minor fatty acid palmitoleic acid was increased from 2.1 to 7.6 and 16.6% by EPTC and EPTC + dichlormid treatments, respective­ ly. Simultaneously, the phospholipid content o f root lipids was increased by both EPTC as well as EPTC + dichlormid treatments. The possible effects o f EPTC and dichlormid on lipid biosynthesis o f maize are discussed.