JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2024, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (2): 97-104.doi: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202210034

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Changes in pigment and coloration mechanism of leaves during the discoloration period of Pistacia chinensis

XU Zhizhao(), YANG Xiuyun*(), WANG Yichen, DU Shuhui   

  1. College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
  • Received:2022-10-26 Revised:2023-01-30 Online:2024-03-30 Published:2024-04-08

Abstract:

【Objective】 The changes of physiological substances related to the discoloration period of the leaves of Pistacia chinensis in autumn were studied to reveal the regularity between leaf color and content.【Method】 The experiment was conducted to quantify and analyze the changes in leaf color parameters, pigments, osmotic substances, total nitrogen and phosphorus contents and the key enzyme activities of P. chinensis.【Result】 During the discoloration period, the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves continuously decreased, the content of anthocyanins increased, and the leaves turned red. Anthocyanins in the leaves of P. chinensis showed extremely significantly positive correlations with a* values, the ratio of carotenoid to chlorophyll and anthocyanin to chlorophyll, soluble sugar, free amino acid, phenylalanine ammonialyase(PAL) and anthocyanidin synthase(ANS) (P<0.01). Anthocyanins were positively correlated with dihydroflavonol-4-reductase(DFR) (P<0.05). Anthocyanins were negatively correlated with nitrogen(N) (P<0.05). Anthocyanins were extremely significantly negatively correlated with phosphorus(P) (P<0.01). 【Conclusion】 The anthocyanin/chlorophyll ratio and anthocyanin content in the leaves during the autumn discoloration period of P. chinensis are the material basis for leaf reddening in the middle stage of discoloration. Soluble sugar content and PAL enzyme activity are the key factors affecting color. Mineral elements (nitrogen and phosphorus) content in the discoloration period was significantly reduced, promoting anthocyanin synthesis and affecting leaf color.

Key words: Pistacia chinensis, discoloration period, anthocyanins, coloration mechanism

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