Changes of pigments concentration of flower stalk in Chinese Kale under different light intensities

The concentrations of pigments in flower stalk epidermis of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailley Jianyexia & Zhonghua) were affected by different light intensities (control, 40% shade and 60% shade). The chlorophyll concentrations in flower stalk epidermis of 2 cultivars under shade increased, but that under 40% shade increased more than that under 60% shade, and that in cv. Jianyexia increased more than that in cv. Zhonghua. Under shade the carotenoids concentrations of flower stalk epidermis in cv. Jianyexia increased, however that in cv. Zhonghua decreased. A relatively higher concentrations of flavonoid was shown in cv. Jianyexia in later flower stalk development stage under 40% shade, next under 60% shade. The lowest in control, while that in cv. Zhonghua was decreased under shade. The decline of anthocyanin was measured under shade. This indicated that the chlorophyll concentrations were increased but the anthocyanin accumulation decreased under shade, thus the appearance of flower stalk in Chinese Kale improved.