Effect of Genotype on Level and Distribution of Melilotic Acid and Related Compounds in \u3ci\u3eMelilotus\u3c/i\u3e

The purpose of this research was to study the influence of genotype on the level and distribution of melilotic acid (o-hydroxy-β-phenylpropionic acid) in plant tissue and seeds and to relate these results to the effect of genotype on the level and distribution of coumarin in the sweetclover (Melilotus) plant. The level of melilotic acid, which is generally much lower than the level of coumarin compounds in the sweetclover plant, is influenced by the Cu/cu gene pair. Melilotic acid content is generally higher in leaves than stems and higher in stems than in roots. Young tissues contain a higher level of melilotic acid on the percentage of dry weight basis than do older tissues. The difference in level of melilotic acid is nearly as great between certain parts of the same plant as between the same parts of plants of the Cucu and cucu genotypes. The melilotic acid content of seed appears to be relatively high, being exceeded only by the youngest leaves. Advisor: Francis A. Haskins