Alteration of Soybean Complex Lipid Biosynthesis by S-Ethyl Dipropylthiocarbamate

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. var. Glabrous D62-7812) plants were grown in aerated Hoagland and Arnon mineral nutrient solution containing 0 or 2.6 mum S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) in a growth chamber. After 19 days exposure to EPTC, total leaf fresh weight was reduced 18% by 2.6 mum EPTC while total leaf fatty acid content was reduced 63%. Galactolipid content decreased while phospholipid content increased. Linolenic acid content decreased from 67.5% of the leaf total fatty acid content to 31.5% with 2.6 mum EPTC treatment. Equivalent increases were observed in palmitic (+6.3%), stearic (+1.1%), oleic (14.4%), and linoleic (+13.9%) acids.