Generic polynomial vector fields are not integrable

Abstract

We study some generic aspects of polynomial vector fields or polynomial derivations with respect to their integration. In particular, using a well-suited presentation of Darboux polynomials at some Darboux point as power series in local Darboux coordinates, it is possible to show, by algebraic means only, that the Jouanolou derivation in four variables has no polynomial first integral for any integer value s ≥ 2 of the parameter. Using direct sums of derivations together with our previous results we show that, for all n ≥ 3 and s ≥ 2, the absence of polynomial first integrals, or even of Darboux polynomials, is generic for homogeneous polynomial vector fields of degree s in n variables.