Yellow Petals Research Articles

A brainstorm on the systematics of Turnera (Turneraceae, Malpighiales) caused by insights from molecular phylogenetics and morphological evolution

With 145 species, Turnera is the largest genus of Turneraceae (Malpighiales). Despite several morphotaxonomic and cytogenetic studies, our knowledge about the phylogenetic relationships in Turnera remains mainly based on morphological data. Here, we reconstruct the most comprehensive phylogeny of Turnera with molecular data to understand the morphological evolution within this group and to assess its circumscription and infrageneric classification. We analyzed two nuclear and six plastid markers and 112 taxa, including species and infraspecific taxa, 97 from Turnera, covering the 11 series of the genus. Bayesian inference, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses show that Turnera, as traditionally circumscribed, is not monophyletic. The genus is divided into two well-supported independent clades; one of them is sister to the genus Piriqueta and is here segregated as the new genus Oxossia. According to our reconstructions, Turnera probably evolved from an ancestor without extrafloral nectaries and with solitary, homostylous flowers with yellow petals. The emergences of extrafloral nectaries and distyly, both common in extant taxa, played an important role in the diversification of the genus. An updated infrageneric classification reflecting the relationships within Turnera is now possible based on morphological synapomorphies and is here designed for further studies.

Map-based cloning and characterization of BoCCD4, a gene responsible for white/yellow petal color in B. oleracea

BackgroundBrassica oleracea exhibits extensive phenotypic diversity. As an important trait, petal color varies among different B. oleracea cultivars, enabling the study of the genetic basis of this trait. In a previous study, the gene responsible for petal color in B. oleracea was mapped to a 503-kb region on chromosome 3, but the candidate gene has not yet been identified.ResultsIn the present study, we report that the candidate gene was further delineated to a 207-kb fragment. BoCCD4, a homolog of the Arabidopsis carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4) gene, was selected for evaluation as the candidate gene. Sequence analysis of the YL-1 inbred line revealed three insertions/deletions and 34 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region of BoCCD4. Functional complementation showed that BoCCD4 from the white-petal inbred line 11–192 can rescue the yellow-petal trait of YL-1. Expression analysis revealed that BoCCD4 is exclusively expressed in petal tissue of white-petal plants, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that CCD4 homologs may share evolutionarily conserved roles in carotenoid metabolism. These findings demonstrate that BoCCD4 is responsible for white/yellow petal color variation in B. oleracea.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that function loss of BoCCD4, a homolog of Arabidopsis CCD4, is responsible for yellow petal color in B. oleracea.

Determination of Flavonoids and Carotenoids and Their Contributions to Various Colors of Rose Cultivars (Rosa spp.).

Rose is one of the most valuable ornamental crops worldwide. In this study, the composition of hydrophilic and lipophilic pigments in petals of six rose cultivars at seven developing stages was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Four anthocyanins, 20 flavonols, and 10 carotenoids were detected in petals of tested cultivars. Major individual anthocyanin, flavonol, and carotenoid were cyanidin/pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside, and (9Z)-violaxanthin, respectively. Significant differences were observed in pigments content in petals of different rose cultivars. The yellow petals of YI and GC exhibited no to very small amounts of anthocyanins, moderate amount of total flavonols, and highest content of total carotenoids. Similarly, pink petals of PF, WQ, and YX showed average concentration of total anthocyanins, highest concentration of total flavonols, and small amount of carotenoids. Further, orange petals of CH showed highest content of total anthocyanins, lowest content of total flavonols, and average content of total carotenoids. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there were many pigments influencing petal colors. Moreover, multiple linear regression indicated that pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, total anthocyanins and (9Z)-violaxanthin were the major factors. In addition, this study showed that orange cultivar CH, pink cultivar PF and yellow cultivar YI can have great potential as a natural source for the extraction of pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside, and (9Z)-violaxanthin, respectively. These investigations would contribute toward understanding the mechanism on the development of flower colors and provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of rose with specific color.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Two Different Color Chrysanthemum Flower Teas.

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat is a perennial flowering plant widely cultivated for use in a tea infusion and as a popular beverage. To identify and evaluate the tea infusion made with a γ-irradiated mutant chrysanthemum cultivar with dark purple petals (cv. ARTI-Dark Chocolate), its phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity were tested and compared with those of the commercially available chrysanthemum cultivar with yellow petals (cv. Gamguk) by HPLC-DAD-ESIMS, as well as DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The purple chrysanthemum tea contained anthocyanins and linarin, which were not detected in the yellow chrysanthemum tea and the content of chlorogenic acid, acacetin-7-O-β-glucoside, and luteolin was higher compared with the yellow chrysanthemum tea. In contrast, the yellow chrysanthemum tea had higher luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside, and apigenin contents in comparison with the purple chrysanthemum tea. In addition, the content and antioxidant activity of the two chrysanthemum teas were investigated according to different water temperatures and infusing time. The yellow chrysanthemum tea did not show any significant differences according to infusing time and temperature, while the purple chrysanthemum tea was more influenced by the infusing time than water temperature, showing the highest total compound content in the infusing condition of 100 °C and 4 min. Moreover, the floral scent volatiles of the two chrysanthemum tea sources were analyzed using HS-SPME-GC-MS. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the purple chrysanthemum tea broadly showed greater antioxidant activity than did the yellow chrysanthemum tea, corresponding to the high content of anthocyanins known as the powerful antioxidant. Further, both chrysanthemum flower teas exhibited strong ABTS radical scavenging effects ranging from 76% to 61% under all infusing conditions. Therefore, the purple chrysanthemum cultivar, ARTI-Dark Chocolate, is worthy of breeding as a new tea cultivar.

Comparative wood anatomy of some members of the genus <i>Caesalpinia</i> (Linn.) Sw

The wood anatomy of two varieties of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., that is the staminate and pistillate plants and four varieties of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Linn).Sw, namely, Red, Yellow, Off-white and Pink petal plants were studied in search of wood anatomical characters that may be useful in the taxonomy of the Caesalpinia genus. Transverse, tangential longitudinal and radial longitudinal sections of the woods were made and some other parts of the woods were macerated. Qualitative and quantitative characters were observed and measured respectively, in all the taxa. The data were subjected to Duncan multiple range test (DMRT), principal components analysis (PCA) and single linkage cluster analysis (SLCA). The results revealed that growth ring is absent in all the taxa studied. They all have diffuse porous woods with heterogenous, uniseriate rays and solitary vessels. Pistillate plant of C. bonduc is the only taxa with multiple ray cells. Apotracheal axial parenchyma type was unique to the staminate plant of C. bonduc while paratracheal type was unique to C. bonduc pistillate. All the varieties of C. pulcherrima lack axial parenchyma. Tylose was absent in the pistillate plant of C. bonduc var. female and C. pulcherrima var. pink but present in all the other taxa. The first three components of the PCA accounted for 95.73% of the total variation among the taxa. It was concluded that quantitative and qualitative wood anatomical characters can be employed in differentiating the species and varieties of Caesalpinia studied.Keywords: Axial parenchyma, Caesalpinia, Fibres, Tylose, Vessels, Wood anatomy

REVISION OF MEZIA (MALPIGHIACEAE)

The Neotropical genus Mezia (Malpighiaceae) comprises 15 species of lianas (except M. huberi W.R.Anderson, a shrub or small tree). All have multibranched, densely brown-sericeous inflorescences with the ultimate unit a 4-flowered umbel of bilaterally symmetrical flowers. The distinctive pair of large cymbiform bracteoles subtends a rudimentary pedicel and encloses the floral bud. The flowers contain elongate sepals, the lateral four biglandular, yellow petals, the posterior often splotched with red, a heteromorphic androecium, and a tricarpellate gynoecium. The three styles are all free; the posterior pair is lyrate in five species but erect in the others. The samaras have an orbicular to oblate lateral wing and a much smaller dorsal wing; in most species, additional winglets and/or crests are present between the lateral and dorsal wings. Only Mezia mariposa W.R.Anderson has butterfly-shaped samaras lacking additional ornamentation. Four new species are proposed: Mezia andersonii C.E.Anderson, M. bahiana C.E.Anderson, M. fanshawei C.E.Anderson and M. sericea C.E.Anderson. One variety is elevated to species level and provided with a new name, Mezia peruviana C.E.Anderson; a lectotype is chosen for Diplopterys involuta var. ovata Nied. Full descriptions and synonymies are provided, as well as a distribution map. All species are illustrated.

Standard-Cut Chrysanthemum ‘Geumhwa’ with Yellow Petals and Early Flowering Ability under High and Low-Temperature Conditions

Standard-Cut Chrysanthemum ‘Geumhwa’ with Yellow Petals and Early Flowering Ability under High and Low-Temperature Conditions

De novo transcriptome assembly, gene expressions and metabolites for flower color variation of two garden species in Brassicaceae

Abstract Petal is not only the target for selection by horticulturist to enhance the ornamental value but also a perfect model system for plant metabolome studies. Petals produce a large number of secondary metabolites that provide petals a variety of colors and fragrance to attract pollinators. Here, we studied petal transcriptome and metabolome of two garden species having various color flowers in Brassicaceae, Erysimum cheiri and Matthiola incana. De novo transcriptome assembly and protein homology analysis between two species and those sequenced species in Brassicaceae generally confirmed their known phylogenetic relationships. Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that homologs of PAP1 in Arabidopsis might be one of the key gene leaded to the red color formation in bronzing petals of E. cheiri compared to the yellow petals. Metabolome analysis revealed significant difference of metabolites existed in petals of two species or with different color and specific anthocyanin accumulated in E. cheiri. Present data sets will be a great enrichment of the genetic information for two species and provide genetic and metabolomic clue for further mechanism analysis of flower color variation.

A New Species of Pittosporum Described from the Poor Knights Islands, Northland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Here we describe Pittosporum roimata, the only vascular plant endemic to the Poor Knights Islands, Northland, Aotearoa/New Zealand. This new species has previously been referred to as a distinct yellow-flowered variant of Pittosporum cornifolium (tāwhiri karo, wharewhareatua), a morphologically similar epiphytic shrub known from both main islands of New Zealand as well as other offshore islands. We have segregated this new species from P. cornifolium based on morphology, DNA sequence variation, as well as distribution. Pittosporum roimata is distinguished from P. cornifolium by flowers with yellow petals, larger inflorescences, and producing several terminal fruits per stem. Herbarium specimens of P. roimata statistically have larger leaves and shorter petioles than specimens of P. cornifolium. Pittosporum roimata is locally common on the islands of Tawhiti Rahi, Aorangi, and Aorangaia, growing on rocky substrates associated with Xeronema callistemon (raupo taranga) and Metrosideros excelsa (pōhutukawa). Using the current New Zealand Threat Classification System, we suggest a preliminary classification of this new species as ‘at risk/naturally uncommon’ qualified data poor [DP], one location [OL].

Anthocyanins and their biosynthetic genes in three novel-colored Rosa rugosa cultivars and their parents

The petals of Rosa rugosa are generally pink and purple, never yellow. Although new varieties of R. rugosa have been bred, no yellow variety has ever been obtained. Therefore, the use of roses in garden settings has been restricted. Three R. rugosa hybrid cultivars (R. rugosa ‘Miaoyu’, ‘Rudiepianpian’ and ‘Jiaomeisanbian’) were bred in our laboratory using wild R. rugosa ‘Hunchun’ as the female parent and Rosa xanthina as the male parent. The petals of these cultivars appear yellow, at least in part; thus, these cultivars represent the first R. rugosa with yellow flowers. To investigate the causes of this yellow petal color, the petals of these materials were studied at both the physiological and molecular levels. Anthocyanins are the most important chromogenic substances in plants. In this study, six types of anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Cy3G), cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside (Cy3G5G), pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pg3G), pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside (Pg3G5G), peonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pn3G) and peonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside (Pn3G5G), were analyzed in the petals of the new R. rugosa cultivars and their parents. All of the above anthocyanins were found in the petals of ‘Hunchun’, and a small amount of Cy3G5G was present in ‘Miaoyu’ and ‘Jiaomeisanbian’, but no anthocyanins were found in R. xanthina or ‘Rudiepianpian’. Moreover, the expression levels of seven structural genes (RrCHS, RrCHI, RrF3H, RrFLS, RrF3′H, RrDFR and RrANS) in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were quantitatively analyzed via qRT-PCR. We concluded that RrFLS, RrDFR and RrF3′H are the key genes controlling petal color in these different rose varieties.

Comparative genomics analysis reveals gene family expansion and changes of expression patterns associated with natural adaptations of flowering time and secondary metabolism in yellow Camellia.

Yellow-flowering species are unique in the genus Camellia not only for their bright yellow pigments but also the health-improving substances in petals. However, little is known regarding the biosynthesis pathways of pigments and secondary metabolites. Here, we performed comparative genomics studies in two yellow-flowered species of the genus Camellia with distinctive flowering periods. We obtained 112,190 and 89,609 unigenes from Camellia nitidissima and Camellia chuongtsoensis, respectively, and identified 9547 gene family clusters shared with various plant species and 3414 single-copy gene families. Global gene expression analysis revealed six comparisons of differentially expressed gene sets in different developmental stages of floral bud. Through the identification of orthologous pairs, conserved and specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between species were compared. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis pathway might be related to the alteration of flowering responses. Furthermore, the expression patterns of secondary metabolism pathway genes were analyzed between yellow- and red-flowered Camellias. We showed that the key enzymes involved in glycosylation of flavonoids displayed differential expression patterns, indicating that the direct glycosylation of flavonols rather than anthocyanins was pivotal to coloration and health-improving metabolites in the yellow Camellia petals. Finally, the gene family analysis of UDP-glycosyltransferases revealed an expansion of group C members in C. nitidissima. Through comparative genomics analysis, we demonstrate that changes of gene expression and gene family members are critical to the variation of natural traits. This work provides valuable insights into the molecular regulation of trait adaptations of floral pigmentation and flowering timing.

Flavonols and Carotenoids in Yellow Petals of Rose Cultivar ( Rosa 'Sun City'): A Possible Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds.

Rose flowers have received increasing interest as rich sources of bioactive compounds. The composition of flavonols and carotenoids in yellow petals of Rosa 'Sun City' was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometric detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS). In total, 19 flavonols and 16 carotenoids were identified, some of which were first discovered in rose petals. Significant changes were observed in their profiles during seven blooming stages. Total flavonol contents showed the highest levels at stage 2 (S2; 1152.29 μg/g, FW). Kaempferol 7- O-glucoside and kaempferol 3- O-rhamnoside were the predominant individual flavonols. Total carotenoid concentration was highest at S4 (142.71 μg/g, FW). Violaxanthins with different geometrical configurations appeared as the major carotenoids across all blooming stages. These results indicated that 'Sun City' petals are rich sources of flavonols and carotenoids. Moreover, it is important to choose the appropriate harvest time on the basis of the targeted compounds.

Inheritance and gene mapping of the white flower trait in Brassica juncea

Despite being a unique marker trait, white flower inheritance in Brassica juncea remains poorly understood at the gene level. In this study, we investigated a B. juncea landrace with white petal in China. The white petal phenotype possessed defective chromoplasts with less plastoglobuli than the yellow petal phenotype. Genetic analysis confirmed that two independent recessive genes (Bjpc1 and Bjpc2) controlled the white flower trait. We then mapped the BjPC1 gene in a BC4 population comprising 2295 individuals. We identified seven AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) markers closely linked to the white flower gene. BLAST search revealed the sequence of AFLP fragments were highly homologous with the Scaffold000085 and Scaffold000031 sequences on the A02 chromosome in the Brassica rapa genome. Based on this sequence homology, we developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs and identified 13 SSRs linked to the BjPC1 gene, including two that were co-segregated (SSR9 and SSR10). The two closest markers (SSR4 and SSR11) were respectively 0.9 and 0.4 cM on either side of BjPC1. BLAST analysis revealed that these marker sequences corresponded highly to A02 in B. juncea. They were mapped within a 33 kb genomic region on B. rapa A02 (corresponds to a 40 kb genomic region on B. juncea A02) that included three genes. Sequence BjuA008406, homologous to AtPES2 in Arabidopsis thaliana and Bra032956 in B. rapa, was the most likely candidate for BjPC1. These results should accelerate BjPC1 cloning and facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling B. juncea petal color.

Englerocharis cuzcoensis(Brassicaceae), a New Species from Peru and a Synopsis ofEnglerocharis

Englerocharis cuzcoensis Al-Shehbaz (Brassicaceae), a new species from the Peruvian department of Cuzco, is described and illustrated. It is easily distinguished from the closely related E. ancashensis Al-Shehbaz, A. Cano & Trinidad by having caducous sepals, ciliate leaf bases, 24 to 32 ovules/seeds per ovary/fruit, and long-sericeous trichomes 0.9–1.5 mm long. The novelty is readily separated from other congeners by having caducous sepals and yellow petals. A synopsis and a key distinguishing the six species of Englerocharis Muschl. are presented.

Camellia nitidissima C.W. Chi: a review of botany, chemistry, and pharmacology

Camellia nitidissima C.W. Chi, honored as “the Queen of Camellia”, has attracted considerable attention as a rare and famous ornamental species characterized by yellow waxy petals. Its flowers and leaves have been used in Chinese folk herbal medicine to treat dysentery, hypertension, diarrhea, faucitis, hepatitis with jaundice, liver cirrhosis, sores, malignant tumors, and irregular menstruation. In recent years, a great number of phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity studies on C. nitidissima have been carried out, primarily in China. Phytochemical investigations have shown that the plant contains a rich source of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, volatile compounds, and other components such as mineral elements and amino acids. Both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies have demonstrated that C. nitidissima possesses anticancer, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. The present paper presents an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the botany, processing, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and toxicity of C. nitidissima in order to provide scientific credence for this traditional medicine while exploring the potential of this plant for drug development.

Whole-genome re-sequencing and fine mapping of an orange petal color gene (Bnpc1) in spring Brassica napus L. to a 151-kb region

The petal color of B. napus is usually yellow, but white, cream, golden yellow, orange, and other colors have also been reported. The pigmentation mechanisms and evolutionary processes of petal color in B. napus remain elusive. An analysis of the inheritance of the orange petal color (OPC) trait indicated that this trait was controlled by two recessive genes, termed Bnpc1 and Bnpc2. For fine mapping of the Bnpc1 gene, two backcrossing populations, BC4 and BC5, were developed from the cross between an OPC parent, X118, and a yellow petal color parent, R258. Whole-genome re-sequencing with bulked segregation analysis using BC4 individuals was conducted, and as a result, two major candidate intervals of Bnpc1 were identified on chromosome C09 of B. napus (C09: 1.000–5.464 and 6.491–7.777 Mb). Subsequently, the genetic and physical linkage maps were constructed for the BC5 population using 10 simple sequence repeat, two sequence-characterized amplified region and 12 insertion-deletion (InDel) markers. The Bnpc1 gene was located in scaffold_38 on C09 of B. napus and flanked by Indel-31 and Indel-5, with genetic distances of 0.083 and 0.042 cM, respectively. The interval distance between the two markers was 151 kb (4.624–4.775 Mb) and was included in the first re-sequenced candidate region (C09: 1.000–5.464 Mb). The present study may facilitate cloning of the Bnpc1 gene as well as marker-assisted selection for developing OPC B. napus varieties and revealing the mechanism of petal color formation in B. napus.

Characterization and categorization of Indian mustard genotypes for agro-morphological traits

A total of sixty genotypes and germplasm lines were evaluated and characterized for 14 quantitative and 8 qualitative traits in Brassica juncea. Observations were recorded on the basis of scores given in the DUS descriptor. Majority of accessions were very late in maturity and medium in flowering. No variability was observed for leaf length and leaf width. On the basis of branches, most of the genotypes were classified under intermediate category. Long main shoot length (31), medium number of siliquae on main shoot (46), medium density on main shoot (52), short siliqua length (51), very tall plant height (38), few numbers of seeds per siliqua (33), medium 1000-seed weight (38), medium seed yield per plant (32) and low oil content (40) were observed in most of the genotypes. For qualitative traits, most of the genotype showed dark green leaf color, sparse hairs, dentation of leaf margin lyrate type, open leaf growth habit, yellow petal color, semi-appressedsiliqua angle with main shoot and intermediate siliqua surface texture. Wide (Yellow, Dull grey, Reddish brown, Brown and Black) diversity has been observed for seed color.

Lepanthes aures‐ursinae and L. vertebrata spp. nov. (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from Panama

Panama is still far from completing its orchid flora inventories, where large genera such as Lepanthes (Pleurothallidinae) reveal novelties regularly. Here, we describe and illustrate two new species of Lepanthes. Lepanthes aures‐ursinae is similar to L. micellilabia but differs by the orbicular‐ovate, obtuse, convex leaves, larger sepals 2.7–3.0 × 2.2–2.3 mm the yellow petals, shorter column to 1 mm long and Y‐shaped bi‐laminate lip with the blades embracing the column and the body elongated towards the base of the column forming a cylindric structure. Lepanthes vertebrata is most similar to L. demissa, from which it can be distinguished by the inflorescences bearing 20–73 pedicels in well‐developed inflorescences, the vinaceous flowers, the larger lateral sepals to 6.0 × 2.3 mm, wider petals to 4.5 mm with the lower lobe longer than the blades of the lip, narrowly oblong upper lobe of petals, oblong lower lobe, shorter lip ca 1 mm long with ovate pink blades and ventral stigma. Data on distribution, habitat and ecology, etymology and phenology are provided for each species.

Eulophia obtusa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Cymbideae) an addition to the flora of Bangladesh, with notes on its ecology and conservation status

SummaryLittle published information exists about Eulophia obtusa, a showy and distinctive species previously recorded from North India and Nepal. It is here reported from Bangladesh for the first time. The population occurring in Bangladesh may represent a distinct colour form, with pure white instead of bright yellow sepals and petals as in previous records. A species growing in seasonally waterlogged grassland, its only known site in Bangladesh has already been destroyed for agricultural development. No reliable data on its present day occurrence in India and Nepal could be obtained. However, the most recent of only three collections in the Kew Herbarium dates from 1902, which suggests that it is quite a rare species. It must be assessed as critically endangered (CR) in Bangladesh, according to the IUCN Red Listing criteria.

Paphiopedilum notatisepalum, a new species of slipper orchid (Cypripedioideae, Orchidaceae) from China based on morphological and DNA evidence

A new species of Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular evidence. Morphological comparisons indicate that the new species P. notatisepalum is highly similar to P. henryanum, from which it differs by its leaves with large yellow spots, shorter scape, larger flower, ovate, white sepals and petals that are pale purple-red with large purple spots and yellow-white margins. Molecular analyses of combined nuclear and plastid datasets (nrITS and matK) indicate that P. notatisepalum is sister to P. barbigerum, which has a green leaves and pale yellow-green sepals and petals. The morphological and molecular evidence support the hypothesis that P. notatisepalum is a new species.