"Epicuticular Waxes" from Exine Material of Pine Pollen

“Epicuticular waxes” from pine pollen and from pollen wings have been investigated. Various hydrocarbons, aldehydes, wax esters, free fatty acids and primary alcohols in the form of homologous series were identified. A noteworthy observation was the presence of a large number of unsaturated fatty acids. Although there were quantitative differences between the waxes from whole pollen and pollen wings, the distribution patterns of chain lengths of the individual compounds were very similar. It is demonstrated unequivocally, through the use of pollen wing material, that the waxes are components of the exine. It is postulated that the pollen waxes provide an additional effective mechanism for protection against the effects of the physical and chemical environment.