Coloration and Anthocyanin Profile in Tulip Flowers

Correlation of coloration and anthocyanin profile in tulip flowers was investigated. Pelargonidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside and their acetyl derivatives were major anthocyanins. Anthocyanins in purple, red, orange and pink perianthes of tulip were analyzed by HPLC. The occurrence of delphinidin 3-rutinoside and its acetyl derivatives is responsible for purple coloration. Pelargonidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside and their 2'''-acetyl esters were major anthocyanins in perianthes of the red, orange and pink cultivars with their variant composition ratios. Tissue specific coloration and distribution of anthocyanins among the perianth, perianth-bottom, anther and pollen of the tulip flower were analyzed by using the cultivars ‘Ben van Zanten’ and ‘Ile de France’ in detail. Pelargonidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside and their acetyl esters were major anthocyanins in the red perianthes while the cyanidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin 3-rutinoside were major anthocyanins in the dark purple perianth-bottoms. Delphinidin 3-rutinoside and its acetyl esters were present in the dark purple anthers and pollens. Anthocyanins seem to be tissue-specifically biosynthesized, resulting in formation of a color pattern between inner and outer parts of the tulip flower.