Search for polyprenols in leaves of evergreen and deciduous Ericaceae plants

Abstract

Various species and cultivars of Ericaceae family were checked for the presence of long-chain polyprenols in their leaves. In the genus Rhododendron no polyprenols were found in the ever-green species, while they were present in the deciduous type. The polyprenols were of chain-length of 14-20 isoprene residues and they occurred in the form of acetic acid esters. The polyprenol accumulation is discussed with respect to senescence of leaves.