Determination of n-alkane profile through developmental state of sunflower leaves

Abstract

The n-hexane extracts of young, mature and senescent sunflower leaves containing a thin layer of epicuticular waxes was analysed by TLC and GC using standard hydrocarbons. The Scanning Electron Microscopy study indicated changes in the deposition of epicuticular wax throughout the developmental stage of the sunflower leaves. The young, mature and senescent leaves contained nine, nine and five long-chain nalkanes accounting for 86.22%, 99.76% and 92.07% of the hydrocarbons, respectively. The predominant nalkane was n-C29 for young and mature leaves, and n-C23 for senescent leaves representing 35.85%, 45.37% and 68.54% of the hydrocarbons, respectively; whilst n-C24, n-C32 and n-C19 were present in least amounts in young, mature and senescent leaves indicating 0.59%, 0.83% and 0.53% of the hydrocarbons, respectively.