Color Of Seeds Research Articles

EN

The objective of this study was to understand the farmer management practices in order to conserve the genetic diversity of sorghum and to determine the level of genetic diversity and local taxonomy in two regions (Logone Oriental and Moyen Chari) of the South of Chad. Total eight villages were visited and from these 53 accessions were collected from 116 inventoried accessions. The number of collected accessions varies from 3 to 9 per village and a loss of diversity was reported between 47 to 71% (average rate of 54.31%) in all villages and this rate varies from village to village. Results of study revealed that the farmer nomenclature is based on the criteria of accession using, origin, color of seeds, type of panicle, crop cycle and the size of plants. This study suggested significant losses in the sorghum diversity of Chad. Therefore, there is a strong need to run a national program to collect, validate and protect the genetic resources of sorghum. This will be helpful in the reducing genetic erosion and to improve the varieties of sorghum cultivated in Chad. GAPILI Naoura * and DJINODJI Reoungal

Yield, specific mass and coloration of azuki seeds after desiccation and storage

Selection and dosage of desiccating herbicides may bring benefits to bean harvesting and its seed quality. This study aimed to assess yield, apparent specific mass and coloration of azuki bean seeds after pre-harvesting desiccation with different herbicides and doses and subsequent storing. In a first trial, we tested paraquat 400 (g ai ha-1), ammonium glufosinate (400 g ai ha-1), glyphosate (720 g ai ha-1), flumioxazin (30 g ai ha-1) and control. In second and third trials, we tested various doses of saflufenacil (0, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 g ai ha-1) and flumioxazin (0, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 g ai ha-1). All treatments were divided into plots and the dates of evaluation (at harvest and six months after harvest) into subplots with four replications. Even after storage, paraquat, ammonium glufosinate, glyphosate and flumioxazin had no effect on yield, specific mass or even coloration of azuki bean seeds. None of the doses of saflufenacil and flumioxazin impaired yield, specific mass and L* value of seeds, which is associated to lightness. Nevertheless, after six-month storage, the seeds desiccated with saflufenacil and flumioxazin lost color intensity and purity as function of the dose.

English

Maize (Zea mays L.) has a range of uses, from animal to human feed and can be consumed in nature, or as feedstock material in the preparation of starches, flours, canjicas, breads, beverages and porridges. This study aimed to determine the linear associations, estimates of genetic parameters and heterosis of bioactive and micronutrients compounds in maize. The experimental design was randomized blocks, the treatments consisted of six open pollinated varieties (OPVs) of maize: Dente de Ouro Roxo (P1), BRS Missões (P2), Caiano Rajado (P3), AL 25 (P4), Bico de Ouro (P5), Argentino Branco (P6) and five hybrids maize derived from crosses, P2 x P1, P3 x P1, P4 x P1, P5 x P1 e P6 x P1. Linear high and positive associations are expressed between the seed width and hundred kernel weight, between the antioxidants DPPH and ABTS radical, and through the manganese and zinc. The genetic parameters determine the progenies and the parent-average relationship are superior to the length, width and acidity of seeds, total phenols and copper. The heritability in a wide sense expressed is greater for the traits: acidity seeds, antioxidant DPPH radical and copper. The heritability in a restricted sense is superior to the traits length, width and acidity of seeds, carotenoids and sodium content. The traits thickness and color of seeds, total phenols, antioxidant ABTS radical and zinc are increased through the effects of intervarietal heterosis in maize. Estimates of genetic parameters obtained can be used in genetic maize breeding programs, in order to obtain biofortified genotypes using bioactive compounds and micronutrients. Key words: Zea mays L., enriched cereals nutritionally, genetic variability, plant breeding.

Molecular genetic mechanisms of the development of fruit and seed coloration in plants

The diverse coloration of plant fruits and seeds is determined by the presence of two important types of pigments, carotenoids (red, orange, yellow) and anthocyanins (purple, blue, red). They belong to two groups of secondary metabolites (isoprenoids and flavonoids). Recently, increased interest in the study of genetic mechanisms controlling coloration traits in plants is observed due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of certain pigments and their colorless precursors consumed with plant food. The genes encoding enzymes required for successive transformations of the initial organic molecules in the final pigment compounds are referred to as the group of structural genes. The factors activating the expression of the structural genes and controlling the synthesis of certain pigments at a particular time in certain part of the plant are referred to as regulatory biosynthesis genes. The data accumulated in the field of plant genetics indicate that the interspecific and intraspecific diversity by the coloration traits (observed at the phenotypical level) is associated with regulatory genes. The creation of rich collections and accurate genetic models by the coloration traits in dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants in previous years, as well as the development of molecular genetic methods of plant research, allowed to study in detail the mechanisms of the genetic regulation of the synthesis of pigment compounds at the molecular level. In this article, the peculiarities of regulating carotenoid biosynthesis are illustrated on the example of their production in fruits of the Solanaceae family. Genetic regulation of the synthesis of different flavonoid pigments is demonstrated on the example of the study of the seed coloration in the Poaceae family plants. The prospects of the practical use of regulatory genes controlling the fruit and seed coloration are discussed in the final part of the work; specific examples of their use in breeding of vegetable and cereal crops are given.

Glycosylation Is a Major Regulator of Phenylpropanoid Availability and Biological Activity in Plants.

The phenylpropanoid pathway in plants is responsible for the biosynthesis of a huge amount of secondary metabolites derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine. Both flavonoids and lignins are synthesized at the end of this very diverse metabolic pathway, as well as many intermediate molecules whose precise biological functions remain largely unknown. The diversity of these molecules can be further increased under the action of UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) leading to the production of glycosylated hydroxycinnamates and related aldehydes, alcohols and esters. Glycosylation can change phenylpropanoid solubility, stability and toxic potential, as well as influencing compartmentalization and biological activity. (De)-glycosylation therefore represents an extremely important regulation point in phenylpropanoid homeostasis. In this article we review recent knowledge on the enzymes involved in regulating phenylpropanoid glycosylation status and availability in different subcellular compartments. We also examine the potential link between monolignol glycosylation and lignification by exploring co-expression of lignin biosynthesis genes and phenolic (de)glycosylation genes. Of the different biological roles linked with their particular chemical properties, phenylpropanoids are often correlated with the plant's stress management strategies that are also regulated by glycosylation. UGTs can for instance influence the resistance of plants during infection by microorganisms and be involved in the mechanisms related to environmental changes. The impact of flavonoid glycosylation on the color of flowers, leaves, seeds and fruits will also be discussed. Altogether this paper underlies the fact that glycosylation and deglycosylation are powerful mechanisms allowing plants to regulate phenylpropanoid localisation, availability and biological activity.

Oil content and fatty acids composition of poppy seeds cultivated in two localities of Slovakia

Abstract Oil content, fatty acids profile, acid and saponification values of poppy seeds grown on two localities of the Slovak Republic were evaluated in the study. Statistically significant effects of locality, genotype and their interaction (P < 0.05) for numerous descriptors were proved by non-parametric tests. Results confirmed that variation in the analysed parameters was influenced by the colour of seeds. Ochre variety Redy contained the highest oil level in both localities (49.9 and 52.4%) and linoleic acid level (74.3 and 71.6%). White-seeded Racek and Albín had the highest acid value (2.8 and 2.4% of free fatty acids) and grey-seeded Malsar and blue-seeded Maratón contained the highest saponification value. Buddha, a high-morphine poppy variety, differed significantly in all monitored parameters. High negative interrelation between linoleic and oleic acids levels was observed. Oil content was positively correlated with linoleic acid and negatively with oleic acid. Weather conditions at the end of vegetation influenced the accumulation of oil and essential linoleic acid.

ANALISIS KADAR LEMAK BIJI HOTONG (Sertica italica (L.) Beauv) DENGAN LAMA WAKTU PENYIMPANAN DI KABUPATEN BURU SELATAN

Background: Hotong seeds are a growing and fertile plant on Buru Island and have been exploited by local people as an alternative source of carbohydrates. However, its utilization is still very simple as a result of not knowing the pattern of utilization in other form. Hotong seeds are the smallest cereal seeds weighing 15.2 kg each. Hotong seeds have the highest nutrient content, diameter hot seeds at the base of the larger than the tip and center. The color of seeds are varied hot yellow, brownish and red.
 Method: This study was an experimental study using Completely Randomized Design (RAL) with long storage treatment (0, 6, 8, and 12 months). Each treatment was repeated three times. The parameters observed were fat content in hotong seeds. Analysis of fat content using descriptive analysis method.
 Results: The results showed that the fat content of Hotong seeds of Waelo Village differed in control and on each treatment of storage duration. In the control of low fat content of 3.3591%, fat content increased in storage of 6 months and 8 months that is 3.5491% and 3.7242% and then decreased at 12 months ie 3.9322%, where from each treatment fat content the highest was obtained at 12 months storage treatment.
 Conclusion: There are different amounts of fat content in Hotong seeds of Waelo Village on the controls as well as on any storage treatment duration.

CHARACTERIZATION OF LEAVES AND FRUITS OF MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) CV. IMBU

ABSTRACT Although mango is one of the tropical fruits of greater interest in the world trade, literature concerning their rootstocks (characteristics and utilization) is scarce. This study aimed to characterize mango plants from cv. Imbú, widely used as rootstock in the Zona da Mata region, State of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Though fruits of this cultivar do not present desirable commercial characteristics, this study allowed us to characterize part of plant morphology and fill a gap in the literature, providing subsidies for future investigations. For such, 'Imbú' plants (˜ 4-years old) from the collection of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, located in Viçosa -MG were evaluated. The descriptors were: (i) leaf blade division;(ii) leaf composition; (iii) petiole length in relation to leaf blade; (iv) phyllotaxis, (v) leaf position in relation to the branch insertion; (vi) leaf shape; (vii) leaf apex and base angles; (viii) leaf margin category; (ix) venation; (x) leaf length and thickness; (xi) leaf length/thickness ratio; (xii) leaf texture; (xiii) leaf fragrance; (xix) leaf color. The leaves were depicted as lanceolate, with entire margins and sharp angles at the base and apex of the leaf blade. The intensity of the green color of the leaf blade was considered intermediate and the abaxial surface staining showed less intense than that observed in the upper side. The fruits were processed and separated into peel, pulp and seeds in order to evaluate the flesh color, fresh weight and percentage of seeds, peel and pulp. It was determined the soluble solids content, starch concentration, the peel and the pulp color, the cerosity, the percentage evaluation of peel, pulp and seed and the pulp firmness. The average number of germinated seedlings per seed was estimated for 230 sown seeds.

Impact of Freezing and Freeze-drying Processes on Color, Phytochemical Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of Pomegranate Seeds

Impact of Freezing and Freeze-drying Processes on Color, Phytochemical Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of Pomegranate Seeds

Blue aleurone trait diagnoses developmental origin of three pistils in a floret in common wheat

AbstractThe common ‘three‐pistil’ (TP) wheat mutation line expresses TPs in a floret normally containing TPs forming three grains set close back‐to‐back. The developmental origin of the TP trait in common wheat had been diagnosed non‐destructively using the blue aleurone trait. The aleurone colour of F2 seeds grown in F1 plants of cross TP/UC66049 was evaluated. Due to xenia, the hue of blue grain colour depended on dose of the Ba1 gene for blue aleurone in the triploid endosperm. The TP trait produced four types of segregation in three‐seed clusters: (i) white grain only, (ii) two white grains and one blue, (iii) one white grain and two blue, and (iv) three blue grains only. The observed frequency of blue–white seed within clusters followed the binominal distribution 3Cr (0.75)r·(0.25)3–r, where r is the number of colour variants in three‐seed clusters (r = 0–3). Intrafloret segregation of seed colour and F2 segregation derived from aleurone colour of F3 seeds indicated an independent origin of the TP trait.

Color mimicry of empty seeds influences the probability of predation by birds

Seeds are under strong pressure from seed predators. Therefore any physical seed trait increasing the chances of the seed's survival should undergo positive selection. Seed color polymorphism, varying from pale to dark seeds, occurs in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), a keystone species of coniferous forests in Eurasia. This phenomenon can be explained by the production of large quantities of empty, always pale colored, seeds, with the opportunity for mimicry of these worthless seeds to avoid predation. Here, we investigated how the color of empty seeds may influence the foraging choices of the most common visual seed predator in temperate forests, the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs).We show, from field experiments, that different colored seed had different probabilities of predation by the chaffinch, and that predation was highest for dark seeds and lowest for pale empty seeds. Thus, the occurrence of empty seeds might benefit full seeds which mimic their coloration, even for those which are highly visible on the ground.In conclusion, the study demonstrated that mimicry by seeds of the color of the ground did not improve their survival but the production of pale full seeds resembling empty seeds did. This contradicts previous results and indicates that color polymorphism may reduce the predation rate by birds.

Water use characteristics of a bambara groundnut (<i>Vigna subterranea</i> L. Verdc) landrace during seedling establishment

Bambara groundnut is slow to establish and this has negative implications for total water use. Consideration of bambara groundnut as a water-efficient crop for dry areas will benefit from an understanding of water use efficiency and water use characteristics during establishment. We investigated whether there is an association between seed-coat colour of bambara groundnut seeds and water use efficiency. A secondary objective was to determine physiological and metabolic responses of bambara groundnut to terminal water stress during seedling establishment. Bambara groundnut seedlings showed reduced seedling canopy growth, increased root length and root: shoot ratio, as well as increased total soluble sugars and tissue water potential with decreasing water availability - traits associated with drought avoidance mechanisms. Consequently, seedling water use efficiency improved with decreasing water availability. Acclimation to water stress was observed under terminal stress; previously stressed seedlings responded better than previously non-stressed seedlings. Dark-coloured seeds had higher levels of phenolics which may have led to their enhanced performance during seedling emergence as well as improved drought tolerance and seedling WUE.

Morphological and anatomical features of seeds of Turkish Romulea taxa (Iridaceae) and their taxonomic significance

Abstract This paper reports on the assessment of morphological (macro and micro) and anatomical characters of seeds of Romulea taxa distributed in Turkey with the use of oneway analysis of variance, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Morphological characteristics such as size, shape, color and surface of seeds were examined with the use of light and scanning electron microscopes. Thicknesses of testa and phytomelan layer, sizes of embryo in seeds were studied anatomically. The outcomes revealed that taxa were similar in some aspects such as color and shape of seeds. However, seed size, thickness of testa and phytomelan layer, shape of the epidermal cells in testa and sizes of embryo were different among taxa, and have taxonomic value in the distinction of these taxa from each other. In addition, the seed surfaces were more or less different for the examined taxa on an interspecific level. Consequently, seed morphology and anatomy with a few exceptions demonstrated diversity and they had taxonomic importance in terms of distinguishing among species.

РЕАКЦИЯ ИНТРОДУЦИРОВАННЫХ ГЕНОТИПОВ РОДА PHASEOLUS НА ЗАРАЖЕНИЕ THIELAVIOPSIS BASICOLA (BERKELEY & BROOME) В УСЛОВИЯХ ЕСТЕСТВЕННОЙ ЭПИФИТОТИИ

A periodic phytopathology field monitoring was conducted on 35 introduced common bean (Phaseolus) accessions at Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute in 2014. The epiphytotic disease black root rot on the bean crops (over 75 % reduction of the stand) was recorded for the first time for the area of Bulgaria. The causal agent isolated from the plant tissue was identified as the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola (Berkeley) Ferraris. A strong relationship between disease severity variation and environmental and soil conditions was established. Black root rot was most severe when cool and wet weather occurred from seedling time to about three weeks after planting, combined with increased soil compaction. Field resistance was recorded in Bulgarian var. “Plovdivski zult”, var. “Starozagorski tzer” and line № 564 (3,66%, 5.33% and 6,50 % dumping-off of bean seedlings, respectively). Bean accession introduced from dry climate areas were highly susceptible to black root rot pathogen (over 76.0 % dumping-off of bean seedlings). Indirect relationship was found between bean tolerance to Th. basicola and presence of the anthocyanin in the hypocotyl and seed coat color. Install the average negative correlation between seed color signs (and hypocotyl) and the resistance of plants to Th. basicola. Samples with resistance to black root rot belong to the group with beige, red, brown or black color of seeds. The presence of phenolic compounds (anthocyanins) in the seed coat and hypocotyls beans can serve as an indirect indication of the selection of resistant to black rot breeding materials.

Seed Morphology and Germination Capacity of some Species in the Sedoideae subfamily (Crassulaceae family)

This paper provides seed anatomy, morphology and germination capacity analysis of some species in the subfamily Sedoideae cultivated in Siberian Botanical Garden of Tomsk State University. The research helped us identify the morphological characteristics of seeds in 21 species and 2 subspecies. We measured the main morphometric parameters as well as described the shape, coloration and surface type of seeds. The internal structure of seeds was analyzed and their germination capacity was determined after three months of storage.

Morphological characteristic of fruit, drupes and seeds genotypes of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

The aim of this work is to discriminate 28 Ziziphus jujuba Mill. genotypes (ZJ-01 - ZJ-28) based on weight and morphological characteristics of fruit, stones and seeds. These genotypes maintained in a clone repository (Nova Kachovka, Ukraine) were chosen for investigation as potential species for cultivation and use in Slovakia. The fruits were collected at the period of their full maturity (October); their morphometric parameters were following: weight from 2.90 g (ZJ-13) to 28.99 g (ZJ-22), length from 20.73 mm (ZJ-08) to 44.84 mm (ZJ-04), and width from 16.64 mm (ZJ-13) to 38.87 mm (ZJ-22). Isolated stones were also analysed, and their weight was from 0.173 g (ZJ-07) to 0.731 g (ZJ-20), length from 12.84 mm (ZJ-08) to 28.67 mm (ZJ-04), and width from 5.06 mm (ZJ-07) to 9.74 mm (ZJ-01). The weight of the seeds was ranging from 20.00 mg (ZJ-25) to 69.11 mg (ZJ-12), length from 7.24 mm (ZJ-15) to 11.85 mm (ZJ-04), and width was from 3.86 mm (ZJ-05) to 6.84 mm (ZJ-12). Significant differences in the size, shape and color of fruits, stones and seeds were also identified. The pulp, seedless stones and seeds constitute 92.81% (ZJ-26) - 98.32% (ZJ-04), 1.36% (ZJ-04) - 6.27% (ZJ-20), and 0.25% (QA-24, QA-25) - 1.21% (ZJ-16) of the total fruits weight, respectively The shape index of the fruits was found in the range of 1.04 (ZJ-08) to 2.00 (ZJ-12 and ZJ-25). The shape indexes of stones and seeds were found ranging from 1.74 (ZJ-08) to 4.53 (ZJ-05) and from 1.32 (ZJ-23) to 2.74 (ZJ-04), respectively. The relative weight of pulp was determined in the range from 92.76% (ZJ-13) to 98.32% (ZJ-04) and the relative weight of seed was determined in the range of 0.25% (ZJ-24 and ZJ-25) to 1.16% (ZJ-26). The Chinese jujube genotypes of this study were grouped based on hierarchical clustering of the fruit, stone and seed characteristics.

Genetic control of the seed coat colour of Middle American and Andean bean seeds.

Seed coat colour of bean seeds is decisive for acceptance of a cultivar. The objectives of this research were to determine whether there is maternal effect for "L", a* and b* colour parameters in Middle American and Andean bean seeds; to obtain estimates of heritability and gain with selection for "L", a* and b* values; and select recombinants with the seed coat colour required by the market demand. Thus, controlled crossings were carried out between the Middle American lines CNFP 10104 and CHC 01-175, and between the Andean lines Cal 96 and Hooter, for obtaining F1, F1 reciprocal, F2 and F2 reciprocal generations for each hybrid combination. Parents and generations were evaluated in two field experiments (2012 normal rainy and 2013 dry seasons) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Seed coat colour was quantified with a portable colorimeter. Genetic variability for "L" (luminosity), chromaticity a* (green to red shade), and chromaticity b* (blue to yellow shade) values was observed in seeds with F2 seed coat of Middle American and Andean beans. "L", a* and b* values in bean seeds presented maternal effects. High broad-sense heritability are observed for luminosity (h(2)b: 76.66-95.07%), chromaticity a* (h(2)b: 73.08-89.31%), and chromaticity b* (h(2)b: 88.63-92.50%) values in bean seeds. From the crossings, it was possible to select bean seeds in early generation for the black group, and for carioca and cranberry types (dark or clear background) which present the colour required by the market demand.

Anthocyanins as a potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. A plethora of literature indicates that oxidative stress may play a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. One could thus hypothesise that antioxidant therapies may be protective for diabetic retinopathy. Anthocyanins are important natural bioactive pigments responsible for red-blue colour of fruits, leaves, seeds, stems and flowers in a variety of plant species. Apart from their colours, anthocyanins are known to be health-promoting phytochemicals with potential properties useful to protect against oxidative stress in some degenerative diseases. They also have a variety of biological properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and cardio-protective properties. Some reports further suggest a therapeutic role of anthocyanins to prevent and/or protect against ocular diseases but more studies are needed to examine their potential as alternative therapy to diabetic retinopathy. The present article reviews the available literature concerning the beneficial role of anthocyanins in diabetic retinopathy.

Combined mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling of different pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds and correlation with antioxidant activities.

Nine varieties of pigmented rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds that were black, red, or white were used to perform metabolite profiling by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and gas chromatography (GC) TOF-MS, to measure antioxidant activities. Clear grouping patterns determined by the color of the rice seeds were identified in principle component analysis (PCA) derived from UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, proanthocyanidin dimer, proanthocyanidin trimer, apigenin-6-C-glugosyl-8-C-arabiboside, tricin-O-rhamnoside-O-hexoside, and lipids were identified as significantly different secondary metabolites. In PCA score plots derived from GC-TOF-MS, Jakwangdo (JKD) and Ilpoom (IP) species were discriminated from the other rice seeds by PC1 and PC2. Valine, phenylalanine, adenosine, pyruvate, nicotinic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, gluconic acid, xylose, fructose, glucose, maltose, and myo-inositol were significantly different primary metabolites in JKD species, while GABA, asparagine, xylitol, and sucrose were significantly distributed in IP species. Analysis of antioxidant activities revealed that black and red rice seeds had higher activity than white rice seeds. Cyanidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, proanthocyanidin dimers, proanthocyanidin trimers, and catechin were highly correlated with antioxidant activities, and were more plentiful in black and red rice seeds. These results are expected to provide valuable information that could help improve and develop rice-breeding techniques.

GFS9/TT9 contributes to intracellular membrane trafficking and flavonoid accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Flavonoids are the most important pigments for the coloration of flowers and seeds. In plant cells, flavonoids are synthesized by a multi-enzyme complex located on the cytosolic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, and they accumulate in vacuoles. Two non-exclusive pathways have been proposed to mediate flavonoid transport to vacuoles: the membrane transporter-mediated pathway and the vesicle trafficking-mediated pathway. No molecules involved in the vesicle trafficking-mediated pathway have been identified, however. Here, we show that a membrane trafficking factor, GFS9, has a role in flavonoid accumulation in the vacuole. We screened a library of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with defects in vesicle trafficking, and isolated the gfs9 mutant with abnormal pale tan-colored seeds caused by low flavonoid accumulation levels. gfs9 is allelic to the unidentified transparent testa mutant tt9. The responsible gene for these phenotypes encodes a previously uncharacterized protein containing a region that is conserved among eukaryotes. GFS9 is a peripheral membrane protein localized at the Golgi apparatus. GFS9 deficiency causes several membrane trafficking defects, including the mis-sorting of vacuolar proteins, vacuole fragmentation, the aggregation of enlarged vesicles, and the proliferation of autophagosome-like structures. These results suggest that GFS9 is required for vacuolar development through membrane fusion at vacuoles. Our findings introduce a concept that plants use GFS9-mediated membrane trafficking machinery for delivery of not only proteins but also phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, to vacuoles.