REVIEW OF LITERATURE

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included. Approximately 40% of all Picea taxa and one-third of Larix taxa
have been analyzed so far for their seed FA compositions. Qualitatively,
the seed FA compositions in the three genera studied are the same as in
Pinus spp., including in particular the same delta 5-olefinic acids.
Considerably lower variability in Larix and Picea spp. than in Pinus spp.
An assessment of geographical variations in the seed FA compositions of
P. abies was made. This observation supports the use of seed FA
compositions as chemotaxonomic markers, as they practically do not
depend on climatic conditions. The main FA is linoleic acid, followed by
pinoleic and oleic acids. A maximum of 34% of total delta 5-olefinic acids
is reahced in L. sibirica seeds, which appears to be the highest value
found in Pinaceae seed FA. In most Pinus spp., the C18 delta 5-olefinic
acids are present in considerably higher amounts than the C20 delta5-
olefinic acids.
Destaillats et al. (2002) reported about saturated and unsaturated
anteiso-C19 acids in the seed lipids from Hesperopeuce mertensiana
(Pinaceae). Minor uncommon FA from Hesperopeuce mertensiana (a
gymnosperm species of the Pinaceae family) seed oil were characterized
through a combination of silver ion TLC, and GLC coupled with MS of
their picolinyl derivatives. These uncommon components have the
structure 16-methyloctadecanoic, 16-methyl-cis-9-octadecenoic and 16-
metyl-cis-9,cis-12-octadecadienoic acids. These branched C19 acids
were identified earlier in the wood of Picea abies, which would indicate