Inhibition of linolenic Acid synthesis and modification of chilling resistance in cotton seedlings.

The temperature at which cotton seeds (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germinated influenced the fatty acid composition of the polar lipids of developing root tips. Seeds were germinated at 15, 20, 25, and 30 C. As the temperature decreased the linolemic acid content of the polar lipid fraction increased. Sandoz 9785[4-chloro-5-(dimethylamino)-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone] reduced the low temperature-induced increase in linolenic acid content of the polar lipids and reduced seedling ability to withstand 8 C chilling. The results are consistent with the conclusion that chilling resistance in cotton seedlings is related to the level of linolenic acid in the polar lipids in the developing root tips.