Analyses of total lipids and fatty acids of plant-parasitic nematodes and host tissues

Abstract

1. 1. Total lipid and fatty acids were analyzed in five species of plant-parasitic nematodes and their host tissues. 2. 2. Depending upon species, nematodes contained 10–40 per cent lipid on a dry weight basis. Host tissues contained 33 per cent (fungus) and 3· per cent (alfalfa callus) lipid. 3. 3. Although the same fatty acids occurred in four species of nematodes propagated on alfalfa callus, relative quantities of individual fatty acids often differed. 4. 4. Nematodes contained a wider spectrum of fatty acids than host tissues. 5. 5. While host tissues could supply most of the saturated fatty acids present in nematodes, most of the unsaturated fatty acids are probably synthesized by the nematodes.