AN HPLC INVESTIGATION OF FLOWER COLOR AND BREEDING OF ANTHOCYANINS INSPECIES AND HYBRIDS OF ALSTROEMERIA

The tepals of 28 Chilean species of Alstroemeria and 183 interspecific hybrids were analysed for anthocyanin content by high-performance liq uid chromatography (HPLC). The anthocyanins were identified as 3-rutin osides of 6-hydroxydelphinidin, 6-hydroxycyanidin, cyanidin, and delph inidin and 3-glycosides of cyanidin and delphinidin, some of which wer e acylated with malonic acid. Comparisons of the anthocyanin contents in parents and offspring showed that no anthocyanidin or acylation pat tern was dominant, and that offspring values were close to mid-parent values for the percentage of malonated anthocyanins, whereas the inher itance of cyanidin, 6-hydroxycyanidin, and delphinidin seems more comp licated. Flower colour, hue, and intensity were measured by CIELab in fresh tepals and compared with their anthocyanin content and the estim ated flavonoid concentrations. Colour intensity was positively correla ted with anthocyanin concentration. Compared with flowers containing e xclusively cyanidin 3-glycosides, the hues of flowers with delphinidin 3-glycosides were bluer and with 6-hydroxycyanidin 3-glycosides redde r, respectively. Both malonation of anthocyanin and co-pigmentation wi th flavonoids caused a shift to bluish hues, irrespective of the antho cyanidins. By quantifying both chemical and colorimetric characteristi cs a model for the effect of anthocyanin on Alstroemeria flower colour was established. Breeding of new cultivars of Alstroemeria is discuss ed.