Basic Color Research Articles

An intraspecific structure of Сicindela (s. str.) coerulea Pallas, 1773 (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae)

An intraspecific structure of a widely distributed Asian species of tiger beetle, Сicindela coerulea Pallas, 1773, is revised and discussed. The neotype of Cicindela coerulea Pallas, 1773 as well as the lectotypes and paralectotypes of Cicindela optata Fischer von Waldheim, 1828, Cicindela przewalskii Dokhtouroff, 1887, Cicindela przewalskii var. grumi Tschitschérine, 1902 and Cicindela przewalskii var. kozlovi Tschitschérine, 1902 are designated. The new synonymy is established: Cicindela coerulea coerulea Pallas, 1773 = Cicindela coerulea lucifera Mandl, 1970, syn. nov. Cicindela coerulea selengensis Mandl, 1936 is considered a synonym of Cicindela coerulea nitida Lichtenstein, 1796, and Cicindela coerulea kozlovi Tschitschérine, 1903 is considered a synonym of Cicindela coerulea grumi Tschitschérine, 1903. The distribution map and an identification key are provided. The geographic variability of the basic colour and the white elytral pattern is discussed as well.

Destructive and Non-Destructive Evaluation of Anthocyanin Content and Quality Attributes in Red Kiwifruit Subjected to Plant Spray Treatment with Cis-3-Hexenyl Butyrate

This work evaluated red kiwifruit plants’ spray treatment with cis-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB) as an inductor of some metabolic mechanisms related to fruit ripening, including an increase in anthocyanin content and the red hue color parameter. Considering their key role as ripening parameters for postharvest fruit quality and sorting assessment, the soluble solid content (SSC) and the flesh firmness penetrometer (FFP) were also measured. Treated plants received an application of 50 mM HB, administered exactly 2 and 4 weeks before the commercial harvest. At harvest time and during postharvest fruit ripening, near-infrared (NIR) spectral acquisitions were performed in order to check the feasibility of a rapid and non-destructive prediction of fruit anthocyanin content and SSC, coupled to destructive measurements and chemometric modelling. Regarding technological and chemical results, HB treatment indicates an optimum overall qualitative storage at 30 days. The fruit from treated plants is characterized by good quality parameters, including higher SSC, enhanced red hue (a* value) and increased anthocyanin content, despite similar weight loss to the untreated fruit. The obtained chemometric results underscore the promise and feasibility of NIRs in terms of detecting and estimating anthocyanin content and SSC in red kiwifruit, in order to pursue an evident perspective of improvement.

Cold liquid stabulation: Impact on the phenolic, antioxidant, and aroma characteristics of wines from aroma-neutral white grape varieties.

Cold liquid stabulation aims to extract valuable compounds from grape lees before juice clarification. In this study, 7, 14, and 21days of lees contact were tested on aroma-neutral 'Arneis' and 'Cortese' grape juices vs control. Basic parameters, colour, polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and volatile organic compounds were assessed throughout winemaking. Wine sensory analysis was performed. The produced wines did not differ in terms of colour and show limited differences in polyphenols, not influencing astringency and bitterness. Variety and treatment length influenced free and glycosylated volatile organic compounds. Free terpenes increased in the 21-day treated 'Arneis' wine (+67%). Lower free esters in 'Arneis' with 14 days of stabulation were found (-10%). On the contrary, higher values of individual esters were found in 14 and 21-day treated 'Cortese' wines, but these showed lower free C6 (-12%) and sulphur compounds (-23% and-24%, respectively), and higher overall wine quality with respect to non-stabulated wine.

Exploring the association between personality traits and colour saturation preference using machine learning.

Both personality traits and colour saturation are associated with emotion; however, how colour saturation preference interacts with different traits and whether this interaction is modulated by object-colour relations remains unclear. In this study, we examined the impact of object-colour relations on colour saturation preference and the relative importance of each personality trait in predicting this preference. Sixty Chinese college students were recruited and registered based on their preferred colour saturation of an object displayed on a computer screen. Random Forest regression analysis in machine learning was applied to ascertain the relative importance of different traits. The results showed that the preferred colour saturation for different objects ranged from high to low: unreal, natural, and artificial. Random Forest regression analysis indicated that personality traits can accurately predict saturation preferences. Specifically, Openness, Extraversion, and Neuroticism are more crucial than Agreeableness and Conscientiousness for objects, while Agreeableness and Openness are the key traits across the three colour hues. Colour saturation preference is also influenced by object-colour association, with each personality trait playing a unique role in this preference due to its relationship with emotions.

Coconut Oil and Bees Wax Edible Coating for Postharvest Quality Maintenance of Bari Malta-1 at Ambient Storage

An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of coconut oil and beeswax edible coating on the postharvest storage quality of Malta (Citrus sinensis) at ambient conditions (27±4°C and 65±5% RH). Sorted fruits were washed with drinking water; after removing surface water, fruits were coated with coconut oil and beeswax mixture (90:10 or 80:20 or 70:30) or only coconut oil. After coating, fruits were kept in crates and stored at 27±4°C and 65±5% RH. Weight loss, firmness, external colour (hue angle and lightness), TSS, pH, ascorbic acid, total sugar and reducing sugar were analyzed periodically during storage. After 18 days of storage, uncoated Malta had lost 45.6% of its firmness, while only coconut oil coated Malta had lost 32.7%, and combinations of coconut oil and beeswax Malta had lost just about 20%. The maximum weight loss of 16% was recorded in the uncoated Malta, whereas only 6% was lost in the Malta coated with a mixture of coconut oil beeswax (7:3) on the last day of storage. During the eighteenth day of storage, uncoated Malta retained 44.00 mg/100g of ascorbic acid, indicating a significant loss during storage. The levels of ascorbic acid in coated Malta that had either been coated with coconut oil alone or with coconut oil and beeswax on the final day (18) of storage ranged from 54 to 58 mg/100g. The findings showed that using coconut oil alone or in combination with a beeswax coating effectively maintained the ascorbic acid content, prevented weight loss, and maintained Malta's firmness throughout storage. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 275-287 (2024)

A shikimic acid derived carbon dots (SACNDs-FITC) for multi-modal detection and removal of Hg2+: Probe design, sensing performance, and applications in food analysis.

The first shikimic acid derived fluorescent carbon dots (SACNDs-FITC) for multi-modal detection and simultaneous removal of Hg2+ is revealed. The fluorescence of SACNDs-FITC centered at 520nm can be selectively quenched by Hg2+, while the emission centered at 420nm remains constant which can be used for self-calibration. Naked-eye distinguishable color change from yellow to colourless under daylight and from green to blue under UV light could be observed for SACNDs-FITC in the real-time detection of Hg2+. Novel approaches that combine smartphone automated color hue (RGB and HSV) readout for intelligent Hg2+ analysis was developed. Moreover, SACNDs-FITC could work as an effective absorbent for Hg2+ with an adsorption capacity of 19.24mg/g. Mechanism studies revealed the success of the post-modification strategy and the crucial role of -NCSN- groups in detecting and adsorbing Hg2+. Most importantly, multi-modal analysis of Hg2+ in celery cabbage and apples was performed using this analytical platform.

BERT-assisted behavioral profiling of polysemy: contrastive analysis of HONG in Chinese and RED in English

Abstract This study conducts a corpus-based contrastive analysis of the basic color term “red” in Chinese (HONG) and English (RED), innovatively employing the AI model BERT to triangulate, validate, and enrich the findings of the behavioral profile (BP) analysis. Results illustrate HONG’s more variational semasiological structure than RED, with both exhibiting unique usage patterns among similarities. The triangulation with BERT embeddings visualizes the performance of each subjectively annotated BP variable, and further demonstrates the semantic extending process in both HONG and RED. The underlying cognitive and socio-cultural factors are lastly discussed. Theoretically, this study bridges frequency-based AI models and usage-based Cognitive Linguistics by simulating human cognitive processes to abstract linguistic knowledge from extensive data, advancing our understanding of language through AI technology. Methodologically, this study is the first to integrate AI models in assisting BP analysis, with BERT embeddings offering objective corroborations and deeper insights for conclusions drawn from subjectively labeled BP data.

Do we feel colours? A systematic review of 128years of psychological research linking colours and emotions.

Colour is an integral part of natural and constructed environments. For many, it also has an aesthetic appeal, with some colours being more pleasant than others. Moreover, humans seem to systematically and reliably associate colours with emotions, such as yellow with joy, black with sadness, light colours with positive and dark colours with negative emotions. To systematise such colour-emotion correspondences, we identified 132 relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English between 1895 and 2022. These articles covered a total of 42,266 participants from 64 different countries. We found that all basic colour categories had systematic correspondences with affective dimensions (valence, arousal, power) as well as with discrete affective terms (e.g., love, happy, sad, bored). Most correspondences were many-to-many, with systematic effects driven by lightness, saturation, and hue ('colour temperature'). More specifically, (i) LIGHT and DARK colours were associated with positive and negative emotions, respectively; (ii) RED with empowering, high arousal positive and negative emotions; (iii) YELLOW and ORANGE with positive, high arousal emotions; (iv) BLUE, GREEN, GREEN-BLUE, and WHITE with positive, low arousal emotions; (v) PINK with positive emotions; (vi) PURPLE with empowering emotions; (vii) GREY with negative, low arousal emotions; and (viii) BLACK with negative, high arousal emotions. Shared communication needs might explain these consistencies across studies, making colour an excellent medium for communication of emotion. As most colour-emotion correspondences were tested on an abstract level (i.e., associations), it remains to be seen whether such correspondences translate to the impact of colour on experienced emotions and specific contexts.

Diversity of VIr’s collection of Lupinus angustifolius L. in the inf lorescence color

Background. The phenotypic structure of Lupinus angustifolius L. is dynamically expanding due to genetic recombinations and mutagenesis. Therefore, the existing concepts of the inflorescence color diversity in narrowleaf lupine need regular updating.Materials and methods. Research materials consisted of 887 narrowleaf lupine accessions from the VIR collection. Their morphological descriptions were made in 2009–2023 during field trials under the conditions of Moscow Province, Russia. Longterm observations made it possible to evaluate probable color modifications in inflorescences under varying weather conditions.Results. The lupine gene pool was divided into 15 biotypes differing in the anthocyanin pigmentation of separate inflorescence parts, such as the vexillum, wings, and keel, as well as the inflorescence axis. Individual color features of cotyledons, leaves, stem, and seeds also characterized the biotypes. Phenotypic characteristics of lupine biotypes were compared with diagnostic traits of intraspecific taxa and known genes for flower color.Conclusion. Three new varieties and six new subvarieties were marked out for narrowleaf lupine. Probable carriers of genes responsible for the flower’s basic color: roseus (fco 1), violaceus (fco 3), albus (fco 4), and leucospermus (fco 21, fco 22), and its modifications: Supercoeruleus, dispersus, discolor, and albiflorus, were identified. Descriptions of some biotypes failed to agree with the data on any known gene’s phenotypic expression, which attested to the presence of new mutations, recombinations, or unstudied gene associations.

Research on the construction of an urban underground parking space color system from the perspective of psychological perception.

Color, an intuitive element affecting human senses, can adapt to the environment of a space, evoke emotional responses, trigger and accumulate visual experiences, and enhance the effectiveness of color in shaping spatial atmosphere and reinforcing spatial divisions. In the context of rapid urban underground space development, examining the rational application of color in underground parking spaces is crucial for improving guidance, comfort, and aesthetics. This exploration is essential for achieving high-quality development in urban underground parking environments. Based on color psychology and using typical cities in China as case studies, this paper develops a color analytical framework for urban underground parking spaces through the process of "color field investigation-analysis of color influencing factors-color system construction-color application and control" and proposes a detailed chromatographic scheme. Within this framework, color field investigation serves as the foundation for determining color usage. Key influencing factors for color selection include color elements and their relationships, the type of underground parking space, and public color perception demands. The color system has been constructed including safe colors, prohibited colors, and theme colors, which has been further divided into basic, auxiliary, and accent colors. This study provides a replicable and practical theoretical and applied framework for urban underground space management and urban color planning. The framework facilitates the establishment of a standardized color system and chromatographic scheme that aligns with urban aesthetics and public psychology, thereby improving development quality and supporting the high-quality development of urban underground spaces.

Blended-red lighting partially mitigates the cost of light pollution for arthropods

Light pollution disrupts the natural dark–light rhythmicity of the world and alters the spectral composition of the nocturnal sky, with far-reaching impacts on natural systems. While the costs of light pollution are now documented across scales and taxa, community-level mitigations for arthropods remain unclear. To test two light pollution mitigation strategies, we replaced all 32 streetlights in the largest visitor center in Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming, USA) to allow wireless control over each luminaries’ color and brightness. We captured fewer arthropods, across most Orders, in the blended-red light compared to white (3000 K). Interestingly, we found an effect of light brightness and color, suggesting that, overall, more arthropods were attracted by brighter, and white color hues compared to blended-red. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mitigation of artificial light at night, likely one of the primary drivers of global arthropod declines.

Ultrafast Laser Inkless Full‐Color Printing on Flexible and Thermolabile Substrates

AbstractLaser‐induced structural color technology holds great promise for the mass‐production of structural colors of wide color gamut, high stability, and low cost. However, its application to flexible and thermolabile substrates (such as plastics and paper) is currently hindered by the reliance on high‐temperature processes or metal substrates. Here, an ultrafast laser inkless printing technology is proposed to address this challenge. By optimizing the magnetron sputtering process with a pre‐sintered TiN target, the reflective TiN layer can be prepared at room temperature, on which coated an absorptive TiN layer to produce the TiN hybrid film. Under laser irradiation, this hybrid film is transformed into an “oxide‐absorptive‐reflective” tri‐layer film structure when the upper absorptive TiN layer is oxidized. In this case, the thicknesses of the oxide and absorptive layers can be adjusted by modifying the total accumulated laser fluence. This enables the tuning of the double‐absorption wavelength, thereby obtaining basic structural colors for printing. The high durability of the obtained structural colors is verified through various aging tests. Notably, this technology is successfully applied to flexible and thermolabile substrates, including plastics and cardboard paper, which may further promote the practical application of laser‐induced structural color technology.

Cutaneous Nevoid Melanoma: A Retrospective Study on Clinico-Pathological Characteristics, with a Focus on Dermoscopic Features and Survival Analysis

Background: Diagnosis of nevoid melanoma (NeM) is often difficult because NeM closely resembles a common nevus clinically and histologically. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 110 patients diagnosed with and/or treated for primary nevoid melanoma at the Veneto Institute of Oncology and at the University Hospital of Padua from August 1999. Results: Mean Breslow thickness was of 1.4 mm. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was conducted in nearly half of the patients, and positivity was detected in 16.7% of them. Twenty-four clinical and 23 dermoscopic pictures were collected. Papular and macular lesions prevailed over nodular and plaque-type lesions. Different hues of brown, pink, and red color were most represented. Twenty nevus-like NeMs and four multicomponent-pattern NeMs were observed. The Most frequent dermoscopic patterns for nevus-like NeM were atypical pigmented reticulum, irregular globules and dots, and hyperpigmented blotches. Atypical vessels, asymmetric peripheric striae, blue-white veil, and areas of regression were less frequent and prevailed in multicomponent pattern NeM. A structureless pattern was also featured. Many patients in the series had multiple melanomas. However, none of them had numerous multiple nevoid melanomas. Conclusions: NeM should not be regarded as a separate biological entity from classical melanoma, and the same histological and clinical prognostic factors apply to NeM. Clinically and dermoscopically, it often resembles benign nevi, although some clues such as evolution and some dermoscopic patterns could suggest malignancy. Clinical suspicion might prove crucial to further pathological analysis and recognition.

The Effect of Honey Powder Addition on Chosen Quality Properties of Model Chicken Products.

The objective of our paper was to evaluate the effect of honey powder addition on the quality of model chicken products over 14 days of refrigerated storage. Three model chicken product variants were produced: C-control, HP1%, HP2%-with 1 or 2% of honey powder addition. The cooking loss, basic chemical composition, water activity, texture, color, lipid oxidation (TBARS and PDSC), microbiological and sensory quality, and volatile compounds profile were determined. The adverse changes in lipids were slower in products with honey powder added compared to control product, revealing lower TBARS index values and longer oxidation induction times. After 14 days of storage, HP2% products showed significantly lower (up to 50%) TBARS values than control products. Furthermore, honey powder addition reduced the growth of psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria for up to 14 days of storage in comparison to the control products. However, deterioration of the volatile compounds profile (presence of alcohols and sulfur compounds) and occurrence of storage odor and flavor had an impact on the poorer sensory desirability of the control and HP1% products. Additional research is necessary aiming to improve the sensory quality of products with honey powder addition.

Prediction of Soil Colour using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Models

Soil colour is a critical indicator of soil properties and conditions, influencing various agronomic and environmental factors. A total of 2216 surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from the Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hill zone of Madhya Pradesh, using Global Positioning System (GPS) for precise location. Soil colour parameters were measured in the field using the Munsell soil colour chart, while chemical analysis was conducted in the laboratory following standard procedures. Additionally, spectra of the soil samples were recorded using a spectroradiometer under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the soil colour hues ranged from 10R, 10YR, 2.5Y, 2.5YR, 5Y, 5R, 5YR, to 7.5YR, Values and Chroma varied from 2 to 7 and 1 to 8, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between the RGB components and organic carbon, with r values of -0.114**, -0.071**, and -0.101* for R, G, and B, respectively. Polynomial models showed the best fit for the relationship between the value and chroma of the colour parameters and soil organic carbon (SOC), with equations Y = 0.086x² - 0.860x + 7.528 (R² = 0.982) and Y = 0.018x² - 0.249x + 6.126 (R² = 0.948), respectively. A linear relationship was observed between chroma and available phosphorus (P), with the equation Y = -0.873 + 13.92 (R² = 0.922). In addition, machine learning models, including PLSR, SVM, Random Forest, ANN, XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, and ELM algorithms, were used to predict soil colour parameters. Among these, the Random Forest and XGBoost models demonstrated the best performance in predicting soil colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, R, G, and B), with model accuracies of 83.6%, 80.9%, 83.0%, 84.3%, 83.7%, and 83.4%, respectively. soil colour variation depicted in the maps generated using GIS can also serve as covariates for mapping, offering comprehensive insights into the soil's properties.

Determining Effective Color Combinations for Enhanced Legibility Presented on Print and Digital Formats

This study explores the impact of different color hue combinations and medium types (print and digital) on reading performance and comprehension. The purpose is to understand how these factors may influence text legibility and to offer practical insights for designers on optimizing visual design in presenting promotional content. Fifty-two participants read texts with various color palettes presented on both print and digital formats. The following color combinations were used in the experiment: achromatic (black on gray), achromatic–chromatic (black on green), and chromatic (purple on green). Reading time and comprehension score were measured to identify any significant differences between these conditions. The results show that the color combinations significantly affected reading time, regardless of the medium type. However, neither color nor medium had a significant effect on text comprehension. The main outcome is that the combination of achromatic text on a chromatic background appeared to be the most effective combination for enhancing the legibility of promotional text. Our findings suggest that graphic designers can choose particular color combinations to optimize reading speed without worrying about negative effects on the comprehension of the texts used in promotional materials across various mediums.

Five Basic Colour Terms and Colour Taboos in Ancient China (Part One)

This paper aims to explore the use of five basic colour terms and colour taboos in ancient China. Looking at many literary texts, including Classic of Poetry, Collection of Oracle Bone Inscriptions, Discussing Writings and Explaining Characters, and several other collections, the paper offers a detailed analysis of the etymology and meanings of the following Chinese colour terms: huang 黄 ‘yellow’, chi 赤 ‘red’, bai 白 ‘white’, hei 黑 ‘black’ and qing 青 ‘cyan’. Colours have always carried well-defined symbolic meanings in China, for instance, red is associated with wealth, dignity and happiness. Besides, the five basic colours are linked to elements and cardinal points: yellow – Earth and Centre, red – Fire and South, white – Metal and West, black – Water and North, cyan – Wood and East. The investigated ancient Chinese texts provide evidence that colours implied high and low social ranks, good and bad personal qualities or fortune. The use of some colours in specific circumstances, as well as by people with a certain status, was prohibited. The cultural and social taboo phenomenon was connected with expressing self-identity and manifested itself in clothes and folk customs as well as in numerous other ways.

Physical Profile of Shrimp Paste (Mysis relicta) Powder with Varying Drying Times

Rebon shrimp paste (Mysis relicta) is known for its savory taste, high nutritional content, and characteristic reddish-brown color. However, it also has some drawbacks, including inconsistent quality, a semi-wet texture, impracticality in handling, and a relatively short shelf life. To address these issues, one solution is to modify wet shrimp paste into value-added products, such as shrimp paste powder. Shrimp paste powder is produced by drying the paste using an oven at specific temperatures and for varying durations. This study aims to determine the effect of different drying times on the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the powder. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the best treatment based on the drying time that yields the highest quality shrimp paste powder. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with each treatment repeated three times to ensure accuracy. The treatments used in the study were as follows: A1 (oven drying for 5 hours), A2 (oven drying for 6 hours), A3 (oven drying for 7 hours), and A4 (oven drying for 8 hours). The parameters observed in this study included physical analysis of color (lightness, chroma, and hue) and solubility. Based on the research, the best treatment was found to be the A4 treatment (8 hours of drying). The physical analysis of the color of shrimp paste powder showed lightness values ranging from 66.93% to 74.87%, chroma values from 7.89% to 10.54%, and hue values ranging from 6.97o to 21.79o. The solubility analysis results ranged from 62.53% to 66.31%.

The symbolism of red and blue colors as a reflection of the national mentality of Koreans (based on the material of Korean proverbs)

This article discusses two chromatic colors – red and blue, which are included in the system of basic colors according to the ancient Chinese theory of Yin – Yang and the five elements. The subject of our research is the above two colors in Korean traditional culture. The linguistic and cultural analysis of color meanings in Korean proverbs makes it possible to determine the universal and specific features of the linguistic picture of the world, representing the historical, cultural, and social experience of one people accumulated as a result of its development. The research centers on Proverbs, idioms with colors 붉다 [bulkta] / 홍 [hong] (紅) (red), 푸르다[p ureuda] / 청 (靑) [cheong] (blue). In this article, we use the names of colors of Korean / Chinese origin, since there are different spellings of color meanings in proverbs. By studying color as an important category of cognition of the world, one can see how it affects people's social, religious, moral, emotional and interpersonal relationships. The work uses a descriptive method necessary for the classification and generalization of linguistic material, linguistic and cultural analysis to interpret the information obtained, revealing the mentality, traditions and customs of the people. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematic description and definition of the symbolism and meaning of color in culturally significant texts in the Korean language. The analysis of the color values "red" and "blue" in the Korean tradition, namely in the paremias, made it possible to identify their harmonious combination as one whole organism corresponding to the Yin –Yang system, as well as to highlight their contrasting position. This study reveals the peculiarities of the national linguistic picture in terms of reflecting the Korean people's ideas about color as a universal category, but having its own specifics. The results of this study will help to form a stable understanding of the mental beliefs that influence the scenario and mechanism of thinking, and as a result, the national culture, which determines the originality of the mental and linguistic organization of national consciousness.

Targeted metabolomics- and transcriptomics-based investigation of carotenoid pigmentation in Phalaenopsis-Type Dendrobium hybrids

Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium hybrids (Den-Phals) stands out as globally popular tropical orchids. Carotenoids are crucial colored phytochemicals in flowers. The coloration mechanism of carotenoids in Den-Phals flowers were investigated through targeted metabolome and transcriptome analyses. In total, 48 carotenoids were detected from 11 Den-Phals. The composition and content of carotenoids varied among these cultivars and in the different parts of the same flowers. Lutein, which improves human visual performance, had the largest content in all the samples, with an average of 52.46%, and the highest value reached 79.45%. The top 10 carotenoids, including lutein, β-carotene, neoxanthin, iolaxanthin, (E/Z)-phytoene, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and α-carotene, collectively constituted 90% of the total carotenoids content. Among them, β-carotene, rather than lutein, was correlated with the yellow hue of floral color and was considered a key pigment. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing of two cultivars with significant difference in carotenoid contents inferred the carotenoid metabolic pathway in Den-Phals. Seven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were isolated: phytoene synthase (PSY), carotenoid isomerase (CrtISO), ζ-carotene isomerase (Z-ISO), lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYE), β-carotene hydroxylase (BCH), zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED). Among these, LCYE was deemed a crucial enzyme gene, as it appears to govern lutein or β-carotene accumulating, thereby influencing yellow coloration of Den-Phals. The results offer valuable understanding of the carotenoid metabolic pathway and provide new guidance for breeding Den-Phals cultivars having both ornamental and medicinal traits.