Relation between flower colour and pigment composition of tulip (Tulipa L.).

Authors

  • M. Nieuwhof
  • J.P. van Eijk
  • W. Eikelboom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18174/njas.v37i4.16621

Abstract

Colour and pigment composition were determined in flowers of F1 plants produced by crossing tulip cultivars. Yellow flowers contained only carotenoids, orange flowers always at least carotenoids and cyanidin, and red flowers always and pink and purple flowers nearly always cyanidin. Most flowers, except purple ones, did not contain delphinidin. Highest carotenoid levels occurred in yellow, orange, dark red and orange-red flowers; highest delphinidin levels in purple flowers and highest cyanidin and pelargonidin levels in red flowers. Pigment levels in light coloured flowers were lower than in darker coloured flowers. Between flowers with the same colour substantial differences in pigment composition and level may occur, indicating that flower colour of tulip depends additionally on other chemical and physical characters. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

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Published

1989-12-01

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Papers