Cyclic malyl anthocyanins in Dianthus caryophyllus

Area of Science:

• * Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• * Natural Product Chemistry
• * Horticultural Science

Background:

• * Dianthus caryophyllus (carnations) exhibit a wide range of petal colors, influenced by various pigment compounds.
• * Anthocyanins are a major class of plant pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue coloration.
• * Understanding the specific anthocyanins present in different cultivars is crucial for breeding and characterizing flower color.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To identify and characterize novel anthocyanin compounds in specific Dianthus caryophyllus cultivars.
• * To elucidate the chemical structures of pigments responsible for deep pink and red-purple flower colors.
• * To contribute to the knowledge of pigment diversity in ornamental plants.

Main Methods:

• * Extraction of pigments from petals of deep pink and red-purple Dianthus caryophyllus cultivars.
• * Chromatographic separation techniques (e.g., HPLC) to isolate individual compounds.
• * Spectroscopic analysis (e.g., Mass Spectrometry, NMR) for structural elucidation of the identified anthocyanins.

Main Results:

• * Identification of 3,5-Di-O-(beta-glucopyranosyl) pelargonidin 6''-O-4,6'''-O-1-cyclic malate from deep pink petals.
• * Identification of a cyanidin equivalent, 3,5-di-O-(beta-glucopyranosyl) cyanidin 6''-O-4,6'''-O-1-cyclic malate, from red-purple petals.
• * Confirmation of these compounds as key contributors to the observed petal coloration.

Conclusions:

• * The identified pelargonidin and cyanidin derivatives are novel anthocyanins in Dianthus caryophyllus.
• * These specific cyclic malate acylated anthocyanins play a significant role in the distinct coloration of carnation cultivars.
• * The findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical basis of flower color in ornamental plants.