Anthocyanin composition and changes during kernel development in purple-pericarp supersweet sweetcorn.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Plant Biochemistry

Background:

• Purple Peruvian maize has been developed into novel purple 'supersweet' sweetcorn varieties.
• Pigmented sweetcorn offers potential health benefits due to anthocyanin content.
• Understanding anthocyanin profiles and accumulation is crucial for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the anthocyanin profile of newly developed purple sweetcorn.
• To investigate the impact of kernel maturity on anthocyanin accumulation and distribution.
• To identify novel anthocyanin compounds in pigmented sweetcorn.

Main Methods:

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS) were used for anthocyanin identification and quantification.
• Analysis was performed on sweetcorn kernels at different stages of maturity (23 to >28 days after pollination).
• Pigment distribution across the pericarp was visually assessed.

Main Results:

• Twenty anthocyanin compounds, including cyanidin-, peonidin-, and pelargonidin-based glucosides, were identified.
• Four novel isomers of cyanidin-3-malonylglucoside and pelargonidin-3-malonylglucoside were discovered.
• Total anthocyanin concentration and pericarp pigment coverage significantly increased with kernel maturity.

Conclusions:

• The new purple sweetcorn varieties possess a rich and diverse anthocyanin profile.
• Kernel maturity is a critical factor influencing anthocyanin accumulation and pigment distribution.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of pigment development in maize and support the breeding of enhanced pigmented sweetcorn.