The Effect of Metal Ion Contents in Petal Tissue on Perception of Flower Final Colors in Gerbera hybrid

Abstract

Interaction of floral pigments with metal ions can alter the final color of the petals. Metal ions can affect stability of flowers final color by altering vacuolar pH and activity of enzymes involved in biosynthesis, destruction, accumulation and transition of pigments. In this study, contents of metal ions of petal tissue and their relationships with parameters of petal color analyzed and compared in stage of full blooming in six varieties Gerbera with different colors. Investigation on metal ion contents in different varieties didn't show statistically significant difference in Cu2+ content. Results showed that enhancement of Fe2+ content in petals increased a* and C* parameters and decreased L* value. Also, reduction of Zn2+ amounts in petal tissue increased h* value. Unlike Ca2+, a positive significant difference observed between Mg2+ contents and parameters of C* and a*, also a negative significant difference between Mg2+ content and L* value. Ions of Fe2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ presented more effective relationship with flower color parameters. Concentration of Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in petal tissue were ranged to 0.0076-0.012, 0.0035-0.004, 0.0017-0.003, 0.0021-0.0032, 2.18-2.97, 1.45-1.79 mg g-1 FW, respectively.

Keywords

• Chroma
• Lightness
• Absorption spectra
• Metal ions
• Gerbera hybrida