Comparative Analysis of Carotenoid Profiles and Biosynthetic Gene Expressions among Ten Plum Cultivars

Abstract

Plums are good sources of various bioactive phytochemical compounds such as vitamins, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, whereby all of which are noted for multiple potential health benefits. However, knowledge regarding plum carotenoid profiles remains limited. Hence, the total and individual carotenoids in the edible parts (skin and flesh) of ten plum cultivars were determined using a spectrophotometer and high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection, respectively. Total and individual carotenoid contents in skin were significantly higher (p PSY, LCYB, and LCYE, and negatively correlated with the expressions of PDS and CRTISO. Characterizing the carotenoid profiles and investigating variations in carotenoid biosynthetic gene expressions among plum cultivars are crucial for advancing genetic improvements in plums.

Keywords

• biosynthetic gene expression
• carotenoids
• content and compositions
• HPLC
• plums