Integrated Analyses of the Mechanism of Flower Color Formation in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of the most valuable forages in the world. As an outcrossing species, it needs bright flowers to attract pollinators to deal with self-incompatibility. Although various flower colors have been observed and described in alfalfa a long time ago, the biochemical and molecular mechanism of its color formation is still unclear.

Methods

By analyzing alfalfa lines with five contrasting flower colors including white (cream-colored), yellow, lavender (purple), dark purple and dark blue, various kinds and levels of anthocyanins, carotenoids and other flavonoids were detected in different colored petals, and their roles in color formation were revealed.

Results

Notably, the content of delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside in line

SUBMITTER: Wen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11857827 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature