Blue Cultivars Research Articles

Identification of novel flower anthocyanins of Delphinium grandiflorum cultivars

Flower color is one of the most important properties of ornamental flowers. Information on the kinds of pigments that flowers can biosynthesize is useful for breeding cultivars focused on flower colors. The flower colors of regular ornamental delphinium cultivars are blue, violet, purple, pink, and white. The pigments of these flowers are delphinidin-based anthocyanins. It has been reported that the typical modification in delphinium anthocyanins involves the transfer of glucose and p-hydroxybenzoic acid molecules to the 7-position of delphinidin one by one, and it was predicted that other unidentified anthocyanins are present in addition to the already reported ones. Recently, light pink flowers that accumulate pelargonidin-based anthocyanins were reported from cultivars derived from Delphinium grandiflorum. Converting delphinidin-based anthocyanins to pelargonidin-based ones is considered key to producing red flowers in delphinium. Hence, we investigated anthocyanins of blue, mauve, light pink, and white flowers of D. grandiflorum cultivars. We isolated anthocyanins and analyzed them using HPLC, TLC, UV–vis spectra, FABMS, and NMR. Using these methods, we identified two novel delphinidin-based anthocyanins and three novel pelargonidin-based anthocyanins: delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (2), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (5, rubrodelphin), pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[3-O-(β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (6), delphinidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[3-O-(3-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (7), and pelargonidin 3-O-[6-O-(α-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranoside]-7-O-[3-O-(3-O-(6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-6-O-(4-O-(6-O-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranosyl)-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-β-glucopyranoside] (9, rosedelphin), along with four known anthocyanins. The flowers of five blue cultivars accumulated cyanodelphin (8) as the dominant pigment. The shapes of visible absorption spectra of these five blue flowers were similar, indicating that the color and the absorption spectra were the typical ones for delphinium blue color produced by 8. The mauve flower color was due to a mixture of delphinidin-based anthocyanins in various polyacylated levels at the 7-position. The light pink flowers accumulated pelargonidin-based anthocyanins 5, 6, and 9. These pigment structures showed that the pelargonidin-based anthocyanins modified in the same way as in the originally biosynthesized delphinidin-based anthocyanins even though aglycone was replaced by pelargonidin in these anthocyanins.

Cross-linked modifications of starches from colored highland barley and their characterizations, digestibility, and lipolysis inhibitory abilities in vitro

To promote the stability and functionality of native starch from colored highland barley (CHBS), the cross-linked modifications with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP)/sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and citric acid were conducted to prepare CHB resistant starches (CHRSs), whose physicochemical characteristics, digestibility, and lipolysis inhibitory potential were also assessed. Results showed that the resistant starch amounts in CHBS were significantly increased after cross-linking and differed slightly among CHRSs. Citric acid modification of CHBS resulted in significantly higher amylose amounts, solubilities, swelling powers, and water-binding capacities than those under STMP/STPP modification within the cultivars (p < 0.05), with their crystalline patterns of A-type (white and blue) and CB-type (black). STMP/STPP modified CHBS exhibited higher degrees of crystalline regions with B-type crystalline patterns. Due to the differences in structural properties and structure-based morphology, STMP/STPP cross-linked CHBS showed lower digestibility and citric acid cross-linked CHBS exhibited higher lipolysis inhibitory activities. Besides, the cross-linked modifications demonstrated more enhancements in functionalities of starches from white and blue cultivars than black cultivar.

Optimization of Morphogenesis and In Vitro Production of Five Hyacinthus orientalis Cultivars

To maximize the economic benefits of Hyacinthus orientalis L., the micropropagation and morphogenesis induction of five Hyacinthus cultivars were investigated under four different concentrations of indole acetic acid (IAA) with two cytokinins, benzyl adenine (BA), or kinetin (Kin). Days for morphogenesis initiation and shoot formation in the red cultivars were fewer than in the blue and white cultivars. Blue cultivars showed an increase in fresh weight and chlorophyll content under either BA or Kin, but they showed an increase in shoot height in the BA treatments only. IAA at 1.5 mg/L caused a time reduction in days for morphogenesis induction and shoot formation and enhanced shoot height and fresh weight. Kin had a lesser impact than BA on all parameters at all concentrations. The number of shoots differed significantly among the cultivars. The Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) produced the highest percentage of root formation (93.3%), number of roots/plantlet (5.26), and root length (1.10 cm). The Jan Bos cultivar at 3.0 mg/L IBA had the highest mean rooting percentage (100%) and number of roots per plantlet (6.66), while Pink Pearl had the highest root length (1.39 cm).

Customizing the leaf tissue nutrient ranges for blue and pink hydrangeas

Pink, blue, and red hydrangea [(Hydrangea macrophylla subsp. Macrophylla var. macrophylla (Thunb.)] cultivars contain the anthocyanin pigment delphinidin-3-glucoside that color the sepal. Without aluminum (Al), the natural color of the pigment is pink or red depending on the cultivar. To produce blue sepals, plants are fertilized with Al2(SO4)3 (AS) under low phosphorus (P) conditions. To determine the effect of AS on nutrient tissue concentrations ‘Early Blue’, ‘Hor Tivoli’, ‘Jip’, and ‘Mathilda Gutges’ plants were treated with 0 (pink), 12, or 15 g (blue) of AS. Pre-bloom leaf tissue concentrations were analyzed with blue cultivars generally having higher concentrations of sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), copper (Cu), and Al, while the pink plants had higher nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations. Concentrations of N, potassium (K), Mg, B and Cu were consistent with published sufficiency ranges regardless of color or cultivar, while S, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations were below sufficiency in some pink cultivars. The P concentrations in both pink and blue cultivars and Ca in some blue cultivars were lower than the published sufficiency range. The difference in leaf tissue nutrient concentrations among cultivars and coloration, suggest that nutrient uptake in hydrangeas varies and that lab recommendations should be customized depending on cultivar and color production system.

Distribution of selected substances in blue varieties of table grapes

This study contains data of seven blue cultivars of table grape (Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis labrusca L.): Attika, Early Cardinal, Eszter, Chasselas rosé, Königliche Esther, Muscat bleu, and Nero. The following were determined in intact berries: malic, tartaric, and titratable acids, pH values, sugar content, and antioxidant capacity. Concentrations of the following compounds were determined in the pulp of analysed berries: phenolic acids and catechins. The last analysis focused on skins; in addition to the same phenolic acids and catechins, excluding epicatechin, analysed from pulp; ferulic acid and stilbenes were also studied. Higher contents of procyanidin B2 and gallic acid were found in the pulp as compared to those found in skins. Studies during the ripening stage showed that the higher ratio of procyanidin B2 and gallic acid concentrations in the pulp vs. skins relates to late-ripening cultivars, while for early-ripening cultivars a lower ratio was observed. Contents of phenolic acids, catechin, stilbenes, and anthocyanins were studied by means of LC-DAD; other compounds were measured by FTIR.

Transcriptomics and Metabolite Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Branch Pathway in Different Senecio cruentus Cultivars

The cyanidin (Cy), pelargonidin (Pg), and delphinidin (Dp) pathways are the three major branching anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways that regulate flavonoid metabolic flux and are responsible for red, orange, and blue flower colors, respectively. Different species have evolved to develop multiple regulation mechanisms that form the branched pathways. In the current study, five Senecio cruentus cultivars with different colors were investigated. We found that the white and yellow cultivars do not accumulate anthocyanin and that the blue, pink, and carmine cultivars mainly accumulate Dp, Pg, and Cy in differing densities. Subsequent transcriptome analysis determined that there were 43 unigenes encoding anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in the blue cultivar. We also combined chemical and transcriptomic analyses to investigate the major metabolic pathways that are related to the observed differences in flower pigmentation in the series of S. cruentus. The results showed that mutations of the ScbHLH17 and ScCHI1/2 coding regions abolish anthocyanin formation in the white and the yellow cultivars; the competition of the ScF3′H1, ScF3′5′H, and ScDFR1/2 genes for naringenin determines the differences in branching metabolic flux of the Cy, Dp, and Pg pathways. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of anthocyanin branching and also supplement gene resources (including ScF3′5 ′H, ScF3′H, and ScDFRs) for flower color modification of ornamentals.

The effects of rapid chilling and storage conditions on the quality of Brigitta Blue cultivar highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

ABSTRACT Controlled atmosphere storage allows for the long-term and short-term storage of fruit without a significant decrease in quality, resulting in a longer shelflife of fresh fruit. The Department of Horticulture at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin conducted research on the effects of post-harvest precooling (3-4°C within two hours) and storage conditions (conventional cold room and controlled atmosphere storage) on fruit firmness, chemical composition, colour and weight loss. After six weeks of storage, it was found that the quality of fruit had declined. In comparison with fresh fruit, the harvest was found to have lost weight and darkened in colour. In addition, a decrease in firmness and the content of ascorbic acid and polyphenolic compounds was also observed. The fruits that were stored in a cold room with a controlled atmosphere and rapidly chilled immediately after harvest were the least affected. In addition, the research showed that there was a high correlation between the anthocyanin index and the polyphenol content in the fruits. To maintain the high quality of the fruit, the fruit must be very rapidly cooled soon after harvest and stored under optimal conditions - a cold room with a controlled atmosphere.

Flower Color Modification by Engineering of the Flavonoid Biosynthetic Pathway: Practical Perspectives

The status quo of flavonoid biosynthesis as it relates to flower color is reviewed together with a success in modifying flower color by genetic engineering. Flavonoids and their colored class compounds, anthocyanins, are major contributors to flower color. Many plant species synthesize limited kinds of flavonoids, and thus exhibit a limited range of flower color. Since genes regulating flavonoid biosynthesis are available, it is possible to alter flower color by overexpressing heterologous genes and/or down regulating endogenous genes. Transgenic carnations and a transgenic rose that accumulate delphinidin as a result of expressing a flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase gene and have novel blue hued flowers have been commercialized. Transgenic Nierembergia accumulating pelargonidin, with novel pink flowers, has also been developed. Although it is possible to generate white, yellow, and pink-flowered torenia plants from blue cultivars by genetic engineering, field trial observations indicate difficulty in obtaining stable phenotypes.

NEW PLUM AND MIRABELLES VARIETIES OUT OF THE BREEDING WORK AND DEVELOPMENT IN GEISENHEIM

Shown some new, efficient and yield-stable cultivars resulting from breeding work are shown in Geisenheim. 'Topfive', as a hybrid of 'Cacanska Najbolja' x 'Auerbacher', a mid-early ripening, dark blue cultivar with good culinary and processing quality. 'Topking', as a hybrid of 'Cacanska Najbolja' x 'Italian Prune', a mid-season ripening, dark blue cultivar with excellent culinary and processing quality. 'Topper', as a hybrid of 'Cacanska Najbolja' x 'Auerbacher', is a mid-season to late ripening, blue cultivar with excellent culinary and processing quality for warmer climates. 'Topper' bears very early and heavily, is absolutely self-fertile, has a robust to frost-resistant flower and is compatible with all rootstocks. It shows no alternating problems and is a dwarfing and plum pox (sharka) fruittolerant cultivar. 'Top' and 'Top 2000', are a hybrid of 'Auerbacher' x 'Stanley', and very late ripening, dark blue cultivars with good culinary and processing quality for cooler climates. They are bearing very early and heavily, are absolutely self-fertile, compatible with all rootstocks and tolerant to some pests and diseases. They prolong to the plum harvest season for four weeks. 'Topfit', as a hybrid of 'Ersingen' x Cacanska Najbolja', is an early season ripening, blue and large cultivar with good culinary quality. 'Topfit' is self-fertile, has a very robust flower and is plum pox (sharka) fruittolerant. 'Tophit', as a hybrid of 'Cacanska Najbolja' x 'President', is a late ripening, dark blue and very large cultivar with excellent culinary quality for all climates. 'Tophit' bears also early and heavily, is self-fertile, compatible with all rootstocks. The two mirabelles cultivars 'Bellamira', as a hybrid of 'Cacanska Najbolja' x 'Mirabelle de Nancy' and 'Miragrande', as a hybrid of 'Mirabelle de Herrenhausen' x 'Yellow Prune', do differ about 4 weeks in their maturity time. Both varieties have a big size and are about the double size with 16-18 g as the standard variety 'Mirabelle de Nancy'. They serve as a vitalization of the European fresh market and are very suitable for the processing industry. All these cultivars are registered for the national and European plant patent protection.

Changes in flower coloration and sepal anthocyanins of Cyanic delphinium cultivars during flowering.

The changes in flower color related to sepal pigmentation of cyanic Delphinium cultivars were investigated during anthesis. The sepal hues of the purple and blue flowered varieties observed on the initial day of unfurling had changed with a decrease in hue angle three days after anthesis. In both the purple and blue cultivars, violdelphin (3) was the major component on day one of anthesis, and the chromaticity improved with increasing sepal concentrations of violdelphin (3) and cyanodelphin (4) after three days of unfurling. The flower hue was dominated by the constitution of acylated anthocyanins, and the chromaticity was ordered by the sepal concentration. The biosynthesis of cyanodelphin (4) from violdelphin (3) was postulated since an increase in the sepal concentration of cyanodelphin (4) was accompanied by a decrease in violdelphin (3). Acylation of the anthocyanins was initiated by an increase in the respective possible precursors, tulipanin (2) and violdelphin (3), to subsequently synthesize violdelphin (3) and cyanodelphin (4) during flowering.

Control of Tobacco Budworm with Foliar-Applied Insecticides, Trial 1, 1996

Abstract Plots were established on 6 Aug ir flower beds which were located in the median of an urban boulevard. Landmarks were used to delineate plots approximately 6 X 3 ft each prior to treatment. The experimental design was a RCB with four replications. Treatments were applied using hand-held spray bottles at a rate of 3 fl oz of insecticide solution per plot. Thuricide, Pyrethrin, Bioneem, and Naturalis-O were applied weekly after sampling was performed. Sevimol, Talstar and Scimitar were applied twice, first on 6 Aug and again on the 29 Aug. Two different cultivars of petunias were present in the plots, the blue cultivar had an average density of 140 full blooms/yd2 and the pink cultivar had an average density of 235 full blooms/yd2. The number of damaged blooms in the center sq yd of eaci plot was counted weekly throughout the course of the experiment. Bloom damage was reflected in holes in flowers and buds, and/or ragged edges. Eval uation on 14 Aug included damage that was already caused prior to treatment application.

Control of Tobacco Budworm with Foliar-Applied Insecticides, Trial 2, 1996

Abstract Plots were established on 6 Aug utilizing flower beds in a municipal park. Plots were approximately 6 X 3 ft each. The experimental design was a RCB with four replications. Treatments were applied using hand-held spray bottles at a rate of 3 fl oz of insecticide solution per plot. Thuricide, Pyrethrin, Bioneem, and Naturalis-O were applied weekly after sampling was performed. Sevimol, Talstar and Scimitar were applied twice, first on 6 Aug and again on the 29 Aug. Two different cultivar: of petunias were present in the plots, the blue cultivar had an average density of 140 full blooms per sq. yd. and the pink cultivar had an average density of 235 full blooms per square yard. The number of damaged blooms in the center sq yd of each plot was counted weekly throughout the course of the ex periment. Bloom damage was reflected in the holes in flowers and buds, and/or ragged edges. Evaluation on 14 Aug included damage that was alreadv caused prior to treatment application.

Growth and Yield Characteristics of Field-grown Limonium sinuatum (L.)

Field studies were conducted on the potential of annual statice as an outdoor cut-flower crop for the Midwestern United States. Data was collected on seven cultivars in 1989 and 42 in 1990. In 1989, total fresh stem weight, stem count, and average stem weight differed significantly among cultivars. Yellow cultivars had more stems harvested than the rose, apricot, and blue cultivars, but stems of the yellow cultivars weighed less. The number of stems harvested over time tended to be concentrated in the first 8 weeks after flowering begins. In 1990, the average stem fresh weight was significantly different among the apricot, blue, and rose cultivars, but the number of stems harvested was significantly different only between the blue and rose cultivars.

Diversity of flower colours in Rhododendron simsii Planch. and prospects for breeding

A survey of the flower colours present in evergreen azaleas, Rhododendron simsii Planch is given. The following colours occur: white, red, carmine red, pink, purple and lilac. Crosses can lead to greater diversity although no really new shades have resulted. Quantitative anthocyanin and flavonol determinations for the cultivars enable us to gain an insight into the possiblities of increasing these contents and thus obtaining new colours. The prospects of breeding for intensely red, yellow and blue cultivars are also reviewed.

Watermelon mosaic virus 1 and 2 in Queensland cucurbit crops

Watermelon mosaic virus type 1 (WMV-1) has not previously been reported from Australia and has become prevalent in Queensland only since 1970. Watermelon mosaic virus type 2 (WMV-2) continues to reach a high incidence in marrow (Cucurbita pepo) and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata) crops, WMV-2 is rarely isolated from watermelons (Citrullus vulgaris) in which epidemics of WMV-1 now cause serious reductions in yield. The Queensland Blue cultivar of C. maxima, the most important cucurbit crop, produces severely distorted fruit following infection by WMV-1, although it is little affected by WMV-2. Physical properties of these WMV isolates and electron microscopic examination of the virus particles and associated cellular inclusions showed them to be similar to those reported elsewhere, but there were some distinctive host reactions for the WMV-2 isolates. No resistance to either WMV-1 or WMV-2 was found in commercially available C. pepo, C. maxima or C. vulgaris. The resistance of Cucumis metuliferus to Australian WMV-1 isolates was confirmed, and a source of resistance to both WMV-1 and WMV-2 was found in Lagenaria siceravia. Methods of separation of WMV-1 and WMV-2 from mixed isolates and methods for the identification of each on differential hosts and by serology were shown to be effective.