ENHANCING EFFECT OF UV-LIGHT ON THE ACCUMULATION OF CARTHAMINE IN DYERS SAFFRON FLORETS

UV-C (254 nm) and UV-B (280-320 nm)-light were irradiated onto bright- yellow capitula of dyer's saffron and their effects on carthamine accu mulation compared. UV-C light promotes reddening of florets more promi nently than UV-B light, yielding higher amounts of carthamine after th e radiation process. The enhancement of carthamine synthesis by UV-C l ight was investigated on cellulose columns loaded with floret extracts under O-2-sufficient or O-2-deficient conditions. Externally charged O-2 inhibits the UV-C- stimulated carthamine 2 formation. The results are discussed in relation to light stimulation of carthamine synthesis in dyer's saffron florets.