Rational curves of degree at most 9 on a general quintic threefold

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We prove the following form of the Clemens conjecture in low degree. Let d ≤ 9, and let F be a general quintic threefold in P 4. Then (1) the Hilbert scheme of rational, smooth and irreducible curves of degree d on F is finite, nonempty, and reduced; moreover, each curve is embedded in F with normal bundle (−1) ⊕ (−1), and in P 4 with maximal rank. (2) On F, there are no rational, singular, reduced and irreducible curves of degree d, except for the 17,601,000 six-nodal plane quintics (found by Vainsencher). (3) On F, there are no connected, reduced and reducible curves of degree d with rational components.