Anthocyanin profile diversity in China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees) genotypes

Anthocyanins are biocolorants which have gained momentum owing to their extensive range of colors and antioxidant activity which has great potential in food, pharmaceutical, textile and cosmetic industries. China aster became popular among the consumers due to its myriad colors. To find out the pigment composition responsible for flower color, fifteen genotypes of China aster were studied using liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The flower color analysis indicated that the 15 genotypes of China aster grouped into seven groups viz., red purple, red, purple, purple violet, violet, white and yellow. Flower petals were evaluated for color through Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart (RHSCC) and calorimeter that resulted in most of the genotypes were categorized under red purple group. The flower color in China aster is due to the presence of three primary anthocyanidins namely cyanidin, pelargonidin and delphinidin. A total of 4 anthocyanins namely cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin and malvidin were identified and quantified. The genotype Arka Violet Cushion was the richest source of anthocyanins (469.36 mg/100 g FW) and IIHRJ22, the poorest (1.17 mg/100 g FW). Genotype Arka Violet Cushion recorded highest for both the cyanidin and delphinidin, however, pelargonidin was recorded highest in Matsumoto Red. The genotype Arka Violet Cushion has been identified with highest anthocyanin can be exploited commercially for bio-color synthesis. The trend of decreased L* value of Color Reader with increased total anthocyanin content was observed in red purple and purple group. The correlation between L* value and total anthocyanin content was not observed in white and violet group. The results revealed that the white and yellow group has very low anthocyanin content which indicates the presence of co-pigmentation in China aster. Arka Violet Cushion recorded 2-3 times higher anthocyanin content than the commercial sources viz., Clitorea ternatea, Centaurea cyanus and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which can be exploited commercially for bio color synthesis. (c) 2021 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.