Orange Hues Research Articles

Examining Carotenoid Metabolism Regulation and Its Role in Flower Color Variation in Brassica rapa L.

Carotenoids are vital organic pigments that determine the color of flowers, roots, and fruits in plants, imparting them yellow, orange, and red hues. This study comprehensively analyzes carotenoid accumulation in different tissues of the Brassica rapa mutant "YB1", which exhibits altered flower and root colors. Integrating physiological and biochemical assessments, transcriptome profiling, and quantitative metabolomics, we examined carotenoid accumulation in the flowers, roots, stems, and seeds of YB1 throughout its growth and development. The results indicated that carotenoids continued to accumulate in the roots and stems of YBI, especially in its cortex, throughout plant growth and development; however, the carotenoid levels in the petals decreased with progression of the flowering stage. In total, 54 carotenoid compounds were identified across tissues, with 30 being unique metabolites. Their levels correlated with the expression pattern of 22 differentially expressed genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation. Tissue-specific genes, including CCD8 and NCED in flowers and ZEP in the roots and stems, were identified as key regulators of color variations in different plant parts. Additionally, we identified genes in the seeds that regulated the conversion of carotenoids to abscisic acid. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into the regulation of carotenoid metabolism in B. rapa, which can guide the selection and breeding of carotenoid-rich varieties.

Effects of Adding Red Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) at Different Dosages in Feed on the Color Change of Clownfish (Amphiprion percula)

Karotenoid, a pigment responsible for yellow, orange, and red hues, was explored in this study to ascertain its impact on enhancing the coloration of clownfish (Amphiprion percula) by incorporating red dragon fruit rind (Hylocereus undatus) flour into their feed. The research involved four distinct treatments: (a) FF999 commercial feed without red dragon fruit rind flour addition, (b) 10% red dragon fruit rind flour + 90% FF999 pellets, (c) 15% red dragon fruit rind flour + 85% FF999 pellets, and (d) 20% red dragon fruit rind flour + 80% FF999 pellets. Evaluation parameters included color measurements using RGB values, transformed into HSB values. The method used is a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the final HSB color quality data is tabulated using the Excel application and analyzed descriptively. Results revealed that the inclusion of red dragon fruit rind flour induced changes in the Hue, Saturation, and Brightness (HSB) values, effectively maintaining the clownfish's color akin to their natural hue (A. percula) during cultivation.

First dye identification analyses conducted on textiles from Old Dongola (Sudan, 17th–18th centuries CE)

AbstractThe Middle Nile Valley offers exceptional environmental conditions that allow the preservation of organic materials, including textiles. This paper presents the results of the analysis of 17 samples collected from wool, cotton, and silk textiles excavated in the ancient capital of Old Dongola from layers dated to the 17th and 18th centuries CE. Chemical analysis using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) have identified both plant and animal dyes. Locally produced textiles, mostly from wool and decorated with blue, green, orange, and yellow hues, were dyed with woad (Isatis tinctoria), flavonoid plants, and madder‐type roots, which were already known and used by medieval dyers in that area. For the first time, kermes (Kermes vermilio) and lac‐dye (Kerria species) have been also identified as a dye source in samples from this group. Imported fabrics, of cotton and silk, were dyed blue with woad (I. tinctoria) but also with indigo (Indigofera tinctoria); dyer's broom (Genista tinctoria) and kermes (K. vermilio) were other dyes identified in this second group. The results of this study provide the first dye identification for textiles produced in the 17th–18th c. Sudan and contribute new data to the research on textile production and trade in post‐medieval Sudan.

Application of different concentrations of the natural dye potassium norbixinate (annatto) in polyamide 6.6 fabrics

Polyamide fabrics were dyed with concentrations ranging from 4% to 0.25% (o.w.f.) of the natural dye, potassium norbixinate (annatto). The exhaustion, chromatic coordinates, colouristic intensity (K/S), and fastness to washing and rubbing were evaluated. The natural dye was characterised, and its maximum absorption peaks were identified at 452 nm and 482 nm through UV-vis scanning. Its main chemical groups were identified by FTIR-ATR. All dyeings exhibited high exhaustion percentage, with a maximum of 98.4% for 1% dye concentration. The dyed samples displayed visually appealing orange hues, with a maximum K/S value of 6.9. Most of the fastness test results were rated between 5 and 4/5, remaining within the standards established by most textile industries. Potassium norbixinate exhibited a similar tinctorial behaviour to synthetic acid dyes for polyamide, suggesting ionic chemical reaction interaction between dye and polyamide, highlighting the potential use in the textile industry.

Evolution of the arils of Euonymus in comparison with some other genera of Celastraceae

Evolution of the arils of Euonymus in comparison with some other genera of Celastraceae

Gene Expression Patterns of CsZCD and Apocarotenoid Accumulation during Saffron Stigma Development

Crocus sativus L., otherwise known as saffron, is a highly prized plant due to its unique triploid capability and elongated stigmas, contributing to its status as the costly spice globally. The color and taste properties of saffron are linked to carotenoid elements including cis- and trans-crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. In the research carried out, we dedicated our attention to the gene CsZCD, an important player in the formation of apocarotenoids. Through the application of real-time polymerase chain reaction to RNA purified from saffron stigmas at various growth phases, it was determined that the peak expression of the CsZCD gene coincided with the red stage, which is associated with the highest concentration of apocarotenoids. The data showed a 2.69-fold enhancement in CsZCD gene expression during the red phase, whereas a 0.90-fold and 0.69-fold reduction was noted at the stages characterized by orange and yellow hues, respectively. A noteworthy observation was that CsZCD's expression was three times that of the CsTUB gene. Additionally, relative to CsTUB, CsLYC displayed 0.7-fold and 0.3-times expression. Our investigation provides insight into the governance of CsZCD during stigma maturation and its possible influence on the fluctuation in apocarotenoid content. These discoveries carry significance for the industrial production of saffron spice and underscore the importance of additional studies on pivotal genes participating in the synthesis of apocarotenoids.

Non-invasive study of the dyes and pigments in the Chinese woodblock New Year paintings

Woodblock New Year painting is a traditional Chinese folk art that flourished during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These paintings feature a wide variety of colors, particularly after the introduction of synthetic colorants from Europe in the late 19th century. The scientific identification of dyes and pigments used in these paintings can provide valuable insights into the socio-historical context of the time. However, the history of materials used in the printing of New Year paintings is still lacking adequate information. In this study, we employed a combination of spectroscopic and imaging techniques, including Macro X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), hyperspectral imaging, and Raman spectroscopy to identify the dyes and pigments used in two Yangliuqing New Year paintings. Our analysis revealed the presence of both traditional pigments and synthetic colorants, such as vermilion, Prussian blue, and methyl/crystal violet. We also discovered several color-matching techniques used to create light pink, light orange, and dark purple hues. These findings suggest that synthetic colorants were gradually replacing traditional pigments in China due to the growth of global trade at that time. Furthermore, our research provides valuable information for the conservation, preservation, and display of New Year paintings.

To colour a bird: The evolution of carotenoid-based colouration in passerines is shaped by sexual selection, ecology and life history.

Research Highlight: Delhey, K., Valcu, M., Dale, J., & Kempenaers, B. (2022). The evolution of carotenoid-based plumage colours in passerine birds. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13791. Carotenoids, a class of colour pigments, are responsible for red, yellow and orange hues in nature. They play an important role in visual animals, and specially birds, where dietary carotenoids can act as honest sexual signals. Long-standing interest in the function of carotenoid-based colours has led to different hypotheses for their evolutionary drivers. Yet, comparative studies testing the generality of these hypotheses have been previously limited in phylogenetic scope or resolution. In a recent study, Delhey et al. (2022) combined sexual dichromatism, life history and environmental data to investigate the evolution of carotenoid-based colouration in the largest avian radiation, the passerines (Order: Passeriformes). The authors show that the expression of carotenoid-based colours depends on environmental availability, dietary content and body size. They also show that red carotenoids are more often evolutionarily and metabolically derived, and suggest different colours are favoured by natural and sexual selection. These findings shine new light on commonly held hypotheses of carotenoid-colour evolution and contribute to our understanding of how phenotypic diversity evolves.

Go, Sled! Go! by James Yang

Reviewed by: Go, Sled! Go! by James Yang Kara Forde Yang, James Go, Sled! Go!; written and illus. by James Yang. Viking, 2022 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593404799 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593404805 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 2-6yrs Amid snow-capped mountains, a kid with a pointy red stocking cap ascends a wintery peak towing a sled. At the top, the text trumpets, “Go, sled! Go!” but as the sled begins its descent, a bunny appears in its path. “Oh, bunny! No!,” the kid shouts, and at the last second the bunny hops aboard. The sled continues downhill until a snowman, a moose, a penguin, and a baker all pile in, but they’re hurtling toward a stop sign. Yang, of Stop! Bot! read-aloud fame, delivers another silly picture book with a similar premise, this time starring a runaway sled. The color-block digital illustrations use diagonal lines and sharp geometric shapes to increase the rising tension of the plot, and the warm yellow, orange, and red hues of the characters (and the stop sign) contrast nicely with the cool blue and white background tones. Observant readers will notice a parallel storyline of a fox who desperately tries to catch up with the overloaded sled, reminiscent of a younger sibling accidentally left out of the fun. Conversational interplay between an unseen narrator and the character’s speech bubbles, plus the centrality of little-kid-friendly interjections (“No!” and “Stop!” and “Go!”), make this a zippy winter storytime selection––just be prepared for requests for steaming cups of cocoa. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Development of gRADient: An Inclusive Tool for Objective Measurement of Radiation Acute Skin Toxicity across Skin Tones in Breast Cancer

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Existing tools for grading radiation acute skin toxicity (RAST) primarily rely on subjective interpretation of erythema and desquamation, potentially limiting validity for patients of color (POC). Yet, more objective tools like in-lab colorimetry are not readily available for use in clinical practice. We report the development and preliminary testing of a novel digital photograph-based tool (gRADient) for RAST assessment in hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (hWBI) by: (1) validating the tool against colorimetry, and (2) testing its ability to detect skin changes over the course of hWBI across a range of skin tones. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Women ≥18 years undergoing unilateral hWBI to 40.5-42.6 Gy, +/- boost, were prospectively enrolled at 2 facilities (N=39). ≥2 physicians rated Fitzpatrick skin phenotype. Multiple photos of the treated and untreated (control) breast were taken weekly during hWBI (N=15 photos per time point). We mapped pixel-level RBG values to 2 corresponding color spaces: 3-item L*a*b* and Prism model (12 colors, shade, and tint on an increasing 0-1 scale). 13 patients also underwent in-lab colorimetry, collected in 4 quadrants of each breast. Patient PRO-CTCAE and Skindex-16, and provider CTCAEv.5 and RTOG tools were completed weekly. Spearman's rho assessed in-lab colorimetry vs. photo-based L*a*b*, and paired t-tests evaluated changes in Prism values between the treated and control breast at the first and last assessment. <h3>Results</h3> We evaluated 1,815 photos from 30 patients who underwent ≥3 photo sessions at the time of analysis. Patient-reported race was 43% White, 40% Black, and 17% other, corresponding to Fitzpatrick skin types of I-II (44%), III-IV (20%), and V (37%). For the colorimetry cohort, all 3 values of L*a*b* were significantly correlated for in-lab colorimetry vs. photos (all p<0.005). Across all photos, there was a significant increase in red, pink, and orange hues as well as in shading [mean ∆ of differences (dod) 0.023, 0.0004, 0.023, and 0.033, respectively, all p<0.05] for Prism in the treated vs. control breast over time. In exploratory analyses, a composite of these variables detected significant changes in time across all skin types (mean dod 0.047). While RTOG and CTCAE responses correlated with color space changes, more granular variations could be detected with gRADient. Inter-patient Skindex-16 results varied widely. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In a preliminary analysis, our novel photo-based tool yielded measurements that correlated with in-lab colorimetry, supporting its validity. Moreover, gRADient detected increases in red and pink (corresponding to erythema) as well as orange hues and shading (corresponding to increased pigmentation) across a range of skin tones. Next steps include continued prospective evaluation of gRADient, with the goal of building a web-based photo application to facilitate clinical use in RAST grading and patient education.

Raman and ATR-FTIR analyses of medieval wall paintings from al-Qarawiyyin in Fez (Morocco)

A multi-analytical study has been undertaken to characterise wall paintings from the al-Qarawiyyin university in Fez, dating back to the 9th century and still in activity, with the aim of identifying the pigments used and going back to the painting techniques adopted by the Moroccan craftsmen of the time. The investigation crossed Raman and ATR-FTIR structural analyses along with XRF elemental ones, as well as colorimetric measurements. The colours and shades of six representative fragments collected during a recent excavation have been examined. Hence, red ochre (mainly hematite) was used to obtain brown-red colour, calcite for white, bistre for carbon-based black, while blue shades were achieved using azurite. Mixtures of pigments were created to widen the colour palette: cinnabar, minium and hematite were identified in orange hues while lapis lazuli and azurite were observed in grey-blue areas. The exploration of mortar layers revealed gypsum, gypsum/calcite and calcite type plasters. Furthermore, the observation of the morphological aspect of the interface between the plaster and the painting layer seems indicating that the lime-secco-painting skill had been the adopted painting technique.

Estimating the distribution of carotenoid coloration in skin and integumentary structures of birds and extinct dinosaurs

Carotenoids are pigments responsible for most bright yellow, red, and orange hues in birds. Their distribution has been investigated in avian plumage, but the evolution of their expression in skin and other integumentary structures has not been approached in detail. Here, we investigate the expression of carotenoid-consistent coloration across tissue types in all extant, nonpasserine species (n = 4022) and archelosaur outgroups in a phylogenetic framework. We collect dietary data for a subset of birds and investigate how dietary carotenoid intake may relate to carotenoid expression in various tissues. We find that carotenoid-consistent expression in skin or nonplumage keratin has a 50% probability of being present in the most recent common ancestor of Archosauria. Skin expression has a similar probability at the base of the avian crown clade, but plumage expression is unambiguously absent in that ancestor and shows hundreds of independent gains within nonpasserine neognaths, consistent with previous studies. Although our data do not support a strict sequence of tissue expression in nonpasserine birds, we find support that expression of carotenoid-consistent color in nonplumage integument structures might evolve in a correlated manner and feathers are rarely the only region of expression. Taxa with diets high in carotenoid content also show expression in more body regions and tissue types. Our results may inform targeted assays for carotenoids in tissues other than feathers, and expectations of these pigments in nonavian dinosaurs. In extinct groups, bare-skin regions and the rhamphotheca, especially in species with diets rich in plants, may express these pigments, which are not expected in feathers or feather homologues.

Investigation of wafers used as paper binding in the academician von Struve manuscripts

This work is devoted to the study of the composition of such a characteristic object for the 17–19 centuries as wafers, which were used to join sheets of paper in documents or to seal letters. Owing to the limited information in the literature and possible degradation processes that may occur with them in this paper, the modern optical techniques were applied to gain information about them. As the object of the investigation the wafers found in the hand-written documents of Academician Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve (Vasily Yakovlevich Struve 1793–1864) were chosen (Fund number 721, the RAS Archive, Saint-Petersburg branch, Struve V.). Besides the common way it was found that a large number of colored wafers were used to join several sheets in one composite elongated document and also to make correction on top of what was written. As the part of a major task aimed at maintaining the fund documents dated 19th century and the stability of the used joining wafers in particular the Raman and UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopies were applied in order to investigate wafers chemical composition. It was found the use of two different types of pigments for orange hues. One of them is cinnabar and another one is made up of red lead and massicot mixture. The Prussian blue was used for wafers with dark blue hue and as a mixture with massicot for green hue. According to UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy it was found the use of anthraquinone type pigment for the red, rose and purple hues. The presence of the wafers with different base materials were determined by means of the Raman spectroscopy, namely of the vegetable (presumably starch) and protein (presumably gelatin) origin. The obtained results were compared with the data available in the previous researches, including the recipes given in the publications of the 19th century.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Potential and Color Properties of Dried Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

This experiment was carried out in order to study the effects of drying on physical quality, color development, bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of red peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Dry matter, surface color values (L*, a*, b*, h*, ∆E*, C*), extractable color (ASTA), non-enzymatic browning, total-carotenoids, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant potentials were measured for fresh and dried samples. Besides, rehydration rate was determined for dried samples. The L*, a*, b* values were used to calculate hue angle (h), chroma (C*) and color differences (∆E*). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant potentials were extracted by different solvents that were water, methanol and ethanol. TPC had differences for each solvent (p<0.05) and water extracts had the highest value (178.1 mg GAE/ 100g dw), followed by ethanol and methanol. Otherwise, TFC and antioxidant potentials had no significant differences according to solvents (p >0.05). Antioxidant potentials were evaluated with DPPH free radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power assay. DPPH free radical scavenging activity showed significant moderately strong negative correlations with TPC (r=-0.958) and TFC (r=-0.821). A decreasing of color values is an expected value for dried samples and the results showed loss for all color measurements. L*, a* and b* values decreased because red pepper color became darker may be related to the carotenoids and the formation of browning compounds. As ASTA values decreased, hue angles increased, indicating color change slightly from red to orange hues. Physical examination of the rehydrated pepper samples resulted with displaying improved rehydration rate (5.95).

Epigenetic Control of Carotenogenesis During Plant Development

Carotenoids are secondary metabolites synthesized in plastids that function in photosynthesis, photoprotection, growth and development of plants. Carotenoids contribute to the yellowish, orange and pinkish-red hues of leaves, flowers and fruits, as well as various aromas. They provide substrates for the biosynthesis of phytohormones and are cleavable into smaller apocarotenoids that function as retrograde signals and/or mediate intracellular communication as well as regulate gene transcription and/or protein translation. Carotenoid biosynthesis and gene regulation are tightly coordinated with tissue-specific plastid differentiation, seedling morphogenesis, fruit development, and prevailing environmental growth conditions such as light, temperature and mycorrhizal interactions. In the last decade, epigenetic processes have been linked to the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis, accumulation and degradation during plant development. Next-generation sequencing approaches have shed new light on key rate-limiting steps in carotenoid pathways targeted by epigenetic modifications that synchronize carotenoid accumulation with plastid development and morphogenesis. We discuss how histone modifications (methylation and acetylation), DNA methylation and demethylation, as well as small RNA gene silencing processes can modulate carotenoid biosynthesis, accumulation and apocarotenoid generation throughout the plants’ life cycle: from seed germination to fruit morphogenesis. This review highlights how apocarotenoid signals regulate plastid biogenesis and gene expression in sync with chromatin alterations during skotomorphogenesis and photo-morphogenesis. We provide a new perspective based upon emerging evidence that supports a likely role for carotenoids in contributing to the programming and/or maintenance of the plants' epigenetic landscape.

One-Step Dyeing and Antimicrobial Finishing of PET Fabric with Novel 4-Arylazopyrazolone Disperse Dyes

Azopyrazole disperse dyes 8–12 could be synthesized either by condensing ethyl 3-hydroxy-2-aryldiazenyl butenoates 3–7 with S-methyl hydrazine carbodithioate 1 or by coupling the parent pyrazole 2 with diazotized aniline, p-substituted anilines and/or 4-aminoantipyrine. These dyes were applied to polyester fabrics using a high-temperature dyeing method at 120 °C and displayed yellow to orange hues. Raman spectra of the dyed samples undoubtedly excluded ring dyeing and were found to agree with the proposed structures. The synthesized disperse dyes were found to possess very good dyeing properties, as indicated by color strength measurements, and all of them except dye 12 had a color strength (K/S) value ranging from 19–23. The dyed fabrics exhibited excellent fastness to washing and dry and wet rubbing as well as light fastness, which varied from moderate to very good. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized pyrazoles 2 and 8–12 as well as the dyed fabric samples against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were measured, and the results showed very good activity.

The Technology of Copper-Based Red Glass Sectilia from the 2nd Century AD Lucius Verus Villa in Rome

This work aimed to investigate the origin of different red hues of Roman copper-based red opaque glass sectilia, to shed light on the production technology behind them. This objective was achieved by the depth study of the samples of glass sectilia, which decorated the villa of co-Emperor Lucius Verus (161–169 AD). These were selected for analysis due to their abundance, the certainty of their date and of their different red and orange hues. Using OM (optical microscopy), colourimetry and FORS (fibre optical reflectance spectroscopy) spectroscopy, four red and four orange hues were individuated. A set of representative samples for each hue was analysed by EPMA (electron probe microanalyses) to detect any correlation between colour and chemical composition. Crystalline phases were investigated through high-resolution FEG–SEM (field emission gun scanning electron microscope), μRaman spectroscopy and XRD, for the identification of colouring and opacifying agents and to understand how the different hues are affected by their shape, concentration and dimension. Sub-micrometric particles of metallic copper and cuprite crystals were identified as both the colouring and opacifying agents. These were not present in the same samples and were manufactured by two distinct colouring techniques, corresponding to two different glass chemical compositions. The size and the number of the colouring particles were the main factors that distinguished one hue from another. Although produced through different colouring techniques, some red samples appeared to be very similar to each other. These data enrich a period of the Roman age through some analyses and allow the identification of the type, as well as some of the production conditions of opaque red glass produced during 2nd century AD, which could be considered to be a period of transition from one technology to another.

Perovskite Photosensors Integrated with Silver Resonant‐Cavity Color Filters Display Color Perception Beyond That of the Human Eye

AbstractOrganic hybrid perovskite‐based photosensors generally display high responsivities and ultrafast response speeds, but their high dark currents with low detectivities have impeded their commercial applications. In this study, these problems are overcome by modifying the device structure and performing defect passivation of the perovskite. An inverted ITO/NiOx/perovskite/PCBM/BCP/Ag structure is applied to minimize the leakage current from the interlayers. In addition, a urea additive is embedded and the thickness of the perovskite layer is optimized, resulting in an ultralow dark current (&lt;2 pA), a peak detectivity of greater than 1.42 × 1014 Jones, and a high linear dynamic range (LDR) of up to 162 dB (in the response range from 20.25 to 6.80 × 10‐8 mW cm‐2). Using high‐purity color filters, combined with a well‐defined white light illumination system derived from a 3A solar simulator, the photosensitivity is evaluated under light of various hues and intensities (down to 10‐9 mW cm‐2). The optimized color sensors under blue, green, orange, and red hues of light display LDRs of greater than 139 dB in the mesopic vision regime (wavelengths: 400–700 nm) between 10‐6 and 10‐3 mW cm‐2—outperforming human visual color perception.

A Review on Underwater Image Enhancement

While capturing underwater image there are lot of imposed due to low light, light variation, poor visibility. Photography is about light, but since water has an a lot more prominent density than air — around 800 times more noteworthy not all wavelengths of light travel similarly well inside it. This implies as we go down into deep water, we lose the shades of the range one by one. This is the reason submerged photographs lose all the red and orange hues even at a genuinely shallow profundity and appear to be increasingly more blue as we go deep in water, henceforth captured image need enhancement. It’s a vital research area, in this paper we will review different techniques of underwater image enhancement.

Transcriptome Profiling of Ornithogalum dubium Leaves and Flowers to Identify Key Carotenoid Genes for CRISPR Gene Editing.

Ornithogalum dubium is a popular ornamental monocot native to South Africa with flower colors ranging from pure white to deep orange. Gene editing based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system has recently been shown to hold potential for color improvement in ornamental flower crops. To apply this approach to Ornithogalum color manipulation, genomic or transcriptomic data must first be collected. Here, cDNA libraries of O. dubium leaves and flowers were constructed and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500. Over 155 million 100-bp paired-end reads were assembled into a transcriptome database of 360,689 contigs, of which 18,660 contigs were differentially expressed between leaves and flowers. Carotenoids are the main pigment imparting spectrum of orange hues to O. dubium flowers. By querying our database, we identified a total of 16 unique transcripts (unigenes) predicted to be involved in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway of Ornithogalum. Combining carotenoid profiles, we further inferred several key unigenes responsible for floral coloration and accumulation in O. dubium, of which the gene LCYB/comp146645_c0 was found as a suitable target to generate potentially red flower varieties of O. dubium. Our research thus provides a framework for the application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to improve this ornamental crop.