.Change of fatty acid profiles in clover genotypes induced by cold stress

Degradation of cell membranes is one of the consequences of cold stress. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the profile of fatty acids in the leaves of different clover genotypes under cold stress and select the most tolerant genotype. Experimental treatments included sampling time in two levels (autumn and spring), planting date in two levels, and ۱۰ clover genotypes (۷ cultivars of Persian clover and one cultivar of berseem, red and crimson clover). Lipid percentage was affected by season, planting date and cultivar. Persian clover (lately maturity) showed the highest lipid percentage with ۳.۵% and total unsaturated fatty acids percentage with ۷۹% and the lowest ones were observed in crimson clover. Cold stress in autumn made a decrease of ۲۰% in lipid percentage. It caused an increase of ۲۱% in total saturated fatty acids, and a decrease of ۵% and ۲۰% in total unsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids /saturated fatty acid ratio, respectively. Delay in planting date reduced the percentage of lipid in clover cultivars. In all cultivars, the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids was higher than saturated fatty acids. We can use the unsaturated fatty acid percentage as a criterion for selecting genotypes regarding cold tolerance. In this regard Persian clover (lately maturity) was the most tolerant genotype under cold stress conditions.  

Keywords:

Berseem clover , Crimson clover , Persian clover , Saturated fatty acids , Unsaturated fatty acids , Berseem clover , Crimson clover , Persian clover , Saturated fatty acids , Unsaturated fatty acids