Changes in lipid class and fatty acid composition during maturation of mesocarp of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) variety dura

The deposition of oil, major lipid classes, and the constituent fatty acids of the oil palm fruit mesocarp were investigated to gain a better insight into the accumulation of these components. The oils were extracted with chloroform‐methanol 1:2 (v/v) and were fractionated by silicic acid column chromatography into classes. Fatty acids were analysed by gas‐liquid chromatography. Shortly after anthesis, lipids, mainly phospho‐ and glyco‐lipids, were a small proportion of the mesocarp. With time the lipid content increased, until at maturity it accounted for about 60% of fresh mesocarp weight. Approximately 97% of the lipid at maturity was neutral lipid, essentially triacylglycerol. Maximum oil quantity was obtained at 22 weeks after anthesis. The active lipid accumulation period was from weeks 18 to 22 after pollination. Contrary to previously published data, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were characteristically present at all stages of oil accumulation. Linolenic acid was present in the neutral lipids from immature mesocarp of the oil palm fruit, but was probably diluted out in mature palms. Appreciable amounts of linolenic acid were present in the polar lipid fractions.