Dynamics of alkylresorcinols during rye caryopsis germination and early seedling growth.

Among secondary metabolites, alkylresorcinols are considered particularly important for the antimicrobial defense system in cereal grains. Dry rye caryopses and young seedlings contain detectable quantities of resorcinolic lipids. Overall, 11 distinct alkylresorcinol homologues were identified, which showed variable profiles during rye germination and early seedling development, especially with reference to the production of very long homologues and to side chain saturation. Additionally, changes in the alkylresorcinol composition during rye seedling growth are presented for the first time.