Changes in the composition of phospholipid fatty acids and sterols of maize root in response to monoterpenes

MARÍA P. ZUNINO; JULIO A. ZYGADLO

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY

Spriger

Lugar: New York; Año: 2005 vol. 31 p. 1269 - 1283

0098-0331

Terpenes are thought to be important in plant-plant interactions because of their phytotoxic action on seed germination and growth. Herein, the effects of five volatile monoterpenes on root sterols and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition have been studied during maize seedling germination. The investigated monoterpenes (camphor, 1-8 cineole, geraniol, menthol, and thymol) were applied at their respective IC 80 (concentration causing 80% inhibition). They quantitatively affected free sterols and PLFA composition, thus producing an increase in the percentage of unsaturated PLFAs, stigmasterol of the free sterol fraction, and saturated steryl ester fatty acids. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic monoterpenes appeared to have different modes of action. The former affected unsaturated fatty acid and stigmasterol to a greater extent, and accordingly they could interfere in seedling growth by changes in the membrane lipids.