Composition of and changes in storage compounds in Orobanche aegyptiaca seeds during preconditioning

Changes during preconditioning in the content and composition of sugars of Orobanche aegyptiaca seeds are described. Reducing sugars are rapidly utilized during the first three days of preconditioning, and remain unchanged subsequently. There is a small increase in the amount of sucrose after three days, possibly due to the operation of the glyoxylic acid cycle. The amount of lipid does not appear to change significantly during preconditioning. The major fatty acids in the lipids of the seeds are oleic and linoleic acids. Small amounts of stearic and palmitic acids were also present in the dry seeds. The possibility of interfering with sugar metabolism, as a means of preventing seed germination, is discussed.