Effect of linoleic, linolenic and jasmonic acid on the production of alpha-galactosidase and endo-beta-mannanase in the endosperms of carob and fenugreek seeds

Jasmonic acid CTA) and its precursor linolenic acid (LA), as well as linoleic acid, inhibited the production of alpha-galactosidase and endo-beta-mannanase in the endosperms of ungerminated fenugreek and carob seeds. The action of JA was stronger than that of LA, while that of linoleic acid was the weakest, which might imply that fenugreek and carob may convert LA. and linoleic acid to JA. The inhibitory effect of LA was not recovered in the presence of salicylic acid, which alone inhibited the production of both enzymes. From these results it could be suggested that JA may regulate the expression of post-germination processes, like the production of alpha-galactosidase and endo-beta-mannanase in carob and fenugreek endosperms. Furthermore, these results may lead to the hypothesis thar in carob and fenugreek endosperms LA and linoleic acid are converted to JA.