Determining cyclic sugar alcohol (cyclitol) content in loblolly pine embryos using high pressure liquid chromatography and thereby establishing the stage in development

摘要

A method of determining the maturity of southern pine embryos, such as loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is described. The method involves determining the content of the cyclic sugar alcohols, pinitol, D-chiro-inositol, and fagopyritol B1 in the embryos and noting the stage of embryo development when the content of D-chiro-inositol begins to decrease and fagopyritol has appeared, at which time the embryos are approaching biochemical maturity and readiness for harvest. The sugar alcohol content is determined using techniques of high pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography.