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Effect of Growth, Senescence, and Curing on Fatty Acid Composition of Tobacco

Leaf samples were obtained from two varieties of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) at various stages of growth, senescence, and under two methods of flue curing. Under the experimental condition, fatty acids detected included 12:0, 14:0, 15:1, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3. The combined fatty acids reached a peak amout 4 weeks after transplanting while crude lipid continued to increase with the physiological age of the leaf. Higher fatty acids, especially unsaturated ones, decreased beginning at early senescence; the most extensive decrease occurred at the yellowing stage of leaf curing. The decrease was approximately in proportion to the degree of fatty acid unsaturation. During the same period, there was a slight increase of comparatively shorter and more saturated fatty acids. However, no interconversion between long chain unsaturated fatty acids and short chain saturated acids was detected by air-curing experiments with C¹⁴-U-linolenic acid supplied to detached leaves.

Key Words: Nicotiana tabacum • Fatty Acids • Crude Lipid • Senescence • Curing • Interconversion

Received for publication December 8, 1969.