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Relationship between the flavonoid composition and flower colour variation in Victoria
Q Wu1,2, P-C Li1,3, H-J Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Beijing Botanical Garden, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Plant Biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
|April 24, 2018
Summary
The study investigated the chemical basis of color change in Victoria water lilies, identifying 14 flavonoids, including anthocyanins, responsible for the petal color transformation. This research clarifies the mechanism behind the color shift in these aquatic plants.
Area of Science:
- Plant biochemistry
- Phytochemistry
- Aquatic botany
Background:
- Victoria (Nymphaeaceae) is an aquatic plant genus with two species, V. amazonica and V. cruziana.
- These water lilies exhibit night-blooming characteristics with petals changing color from white to pink/red over two days.
- The biochemical mechanism driving this petal color change remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the chemical mechanism behind the color change in Victoria water lily petals.
- To identify and quantify the flavonoids present in Victoria petals.
- To establish a foundation for selective breeding programs aimed at controlling flower color in Victoria.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD).
- Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).
- Analysis of flavonoid composition in petals of V. amazonica and V. cruziana.
Main Results:
- A total of 14 flavonoids were detected, comprising 4 anthocyanins and 10 flavonols.
- Significant differences in flavonoid composition were observed between the two Victoria species and between inner and outer petals.
- Increased anthocyanin content correlated with the observed color changes over the blooming period.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, are key contributors to the color variation in Victoria petals.
- The study provides the first detailed chemical analysis of flavonoids in Victoria species.
- Findings pave the way for understanding and manipulating flower color in Victoria through selective breeding.
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