ANALYSIS OF PIGMENTS IN YELLOW-FLOWERED PELARGONIUM SECTION HOAREA

The flowers of Pelargonium section Hoarea were pale yellow and yellow based on the Royal Horticulture Society Colour Chart.
The chromaticity of fresh petals was measured with a colorimeter which was expressed by the L*, a*, and b* values indicating lightness, redness, and yellowness, respectively.
The absorption spectra were analyzed by a UV-VIS spectrophotometer.
Yellow pigments were extracted with acetone followed by evaporation until dry.
The pigments were re-dissolved in methanol and directly analyzed.
The solution absorbed light wavelengths between 400 to 500 nm.
Chromatographic analysis was carried out by HPLC. The portion of pigments extracted for spectroscopic analysis was dissolved in diethyl ether and saponified with 5% KOH/CH₃OH. The solution was washed with a NaCl saturated solution and distilled water.
The diethyl ether fraction was dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to dryness.
The hydrolyzed pigments were dissolved in methanol and filtered through 0.45 µm prior to HPLC analysis.
Carotenoids in yellow petals of Pelargonium section Hoarea were identified as lutein and β-carotene.
Carotenoid composition, content, and the relationship between petal colors and carotenoid compositions are also discussed.

XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Advances in Ornamentals, Landscape and Urban Horticulture

P. Sukhumpinij, F. Kakihara, K. Hondo , M. Kato

carotenoids, anthocyanidins, red blotches, HPLC, Geraniaceae

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.937.86