The Relationship between the Flavonoids and Pigments in Ginkgo biloba Leaf II.The relationship between the flavonoids and chlorophyll composition, ratio of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, and carotenoids

The contents of flavonoids, chlorophyll and its composition, and carotenoids in Ginkgo biloba phyllome branch leaves were examined during the whole growth and development period of the leaves in 1999. The results indicated that the carotenoid content rose very quickly and reached the highest value on June 13, and then decreased. The decrease speeded up in the middle of Oct. The chlorophyll a content accounted for the majority of total chlorophyll content, with a much significant correlation (r=0.996 4 ** ) between them. Chlorophyll a/b value with a scope of 2.10～5.77 was higher in the early stage, then decreased, and finally remained at a relatively constant level from the middle of June. The change trend on the ratio of carotenoids and chlorophyll was opposite when it was compared with chlorophyll a/b value. There were significant negative correlations between the flavonoids and chlorophyll, and chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll a/b, and carotenoids apiece. However, only a negative significant correlation between the flavonoids and chlorophyll a/b existed with the help of partial correlation.