Accumulation patterns of some seed oil components from wild sources of Turkey

Accumulation profiles of fatty acids and α-tocopherol were analysed at three ripening stages in the seed oils of Primula and Echium species. Total seed oils were increased considerably with maturation, while α-tocopherol contents decreased in both species. Increased levels of ALA and oleic acid, and decrease in linoleic and palmitic acids at late ripening stages of Primula sibthorpii, and slightly fluctuations of all examined fatty acids in Echium italicum were observed. Considerable amounts of α-tocopherol (27.4 mg/100 g), linoleic acid (42.76%) and ALA (25.46%) and GLA (4.11%) were detected in Ribes alpinum. Typical accumulation patterns of the examined parameters may be useful for species characterisation and biochemical monitoring of seed development in natural conditions.