Biology, abiotic factors and biotechnology influencing flower colour

Domenico Prisa *

CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via dei Fiori 8, 51012 Pescia, PT, Italy.
 
Review Article
Magna Scientia Advanced Biology and Pharmacy, 2023, 08(02), 034–041
Article DOI: 10.30574/msabp.2023.8.2.0030
Publication history: 
Received on 10 February 2023; revised on 29 March 2023; accepted on 01 April 2023
 
Abstract: 
Flower colour is an important feature that adds aesthetic value to flowering plants as a key element in consumer choice. Colour expression is determined by a combination of several factors: type, quantity and stability of pigments, pH of the cells, copigmentation, and translocation of the pigments themselves from the production site. Various factors, such as light, temperature, sugars, fertilisers and metals, can also influence its expressions. The pigments most responsible for the colour of flowers are flavonoids and carotenoids. Intervening on this character through technical-agronomic interventions, or by modifying the pigment composition in plants through traditional breeding or, more recently, acting on the biosynthetic pathway through genetic engineering, is a highly relevant goal. The technical, genetic and biochemical knowledge presented in this review provides the basis for increasing the chances of success.
 
Keywords: 
Flowers Colour; Ornamental Plants; Pigmentation; Abiotic Factors; Flower Biotechnology; Sugars
 
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