UV-B-INDUCED ANTHOCYANIN SYNTHESIS IN MAIZE REGULATED BY FMN AND INHIBITORS OF FMN PHOTOREACTIONS

Anthocyanin synthesis in maize (Zea mays L., cv. ganga safed) under wh ite and UV-B light has been investigated after pretreatment of seedlin gs with flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and inhibitors of flavin photoreac tions. UV-B enhanced synthesis of anthocyanin compared to white light, and this enhancement was further promoted by flavin mononucleotide (F MN). Salicyl hydroxamic acid, sodium azide and potassium iodide, which interfere with the photoreactions of flavin, inhibit UV-B-induced and FMN-promoted anthocyanin synthesis. A flavin may be involved as a pho toreceptor of UV-B radiation for anthocyanin synthesis in maize.