Simultaneous Inhibition of Linolenic Acid Synthesis in Winter Wheat Roots and Frost Hardening by BASF 13-338, a Derivative of Pyridazinone

Treatment of 12-day-old winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants with BASF 13-338 {4-chloro-5 (dimethylamino)-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone} 36 hours before frost hardening simultaneously and completely inhibits accumulation of linolenic acid in the roots during the hardening period and the acquisition of frost resistance. Increased unsaturation of fatty acids is therefore probably an important part of the mechanism of cold adaptation in winter wheat.BASF 13-338 also prevents the increase in per cent dry weight in roots and shoots during hardening and causes a decrease in root lipid phosphorus and total fatty acids.The concurrent increase in linoleic acid and decrease in linolenic acid in the treated plants, while the level of the other fatty acids is but little affected, suggest that BASF 13-338 specifically inhibits linoleic acid desaturase.