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Changes in some carotenoids and apocarotenoids during flower development in Boronia megastigma (Nees)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 21:54 authored by Cooper, C, Noel DaviesNoel Davies, Robert MenaryRobert MenaryThe carotenoid profile of an acetone extract from the flowers and leaves of Boronia megastigma (Nees) was examined. A comparison was made of the major carotenoids found in boronia flowers and leaves. The C-40 carotenoids B-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and neoxanthin were positively identified in boronia flowers using known standards, UV-vis spectra, and mass spectrometry. Two other carotenoids were tentatively assigned as the palmitic acid ester of 3-hydroxy-10'-apocaroten-10'-oic acid and 9,15,9'-tri-cis-carotene. Additionally, changes in the levels of C-40 carotenoids, C-27 apocarotenoids, and B-ionone during flower development were measured. Significant increases in B-carotene and apocarotenoids that could be derived from cleavage in the 9,10-position, including B-ionone and various C-27 apocarotenoids, were observed at the time of flower opening. An increase in lutein, which is derived through an alternative biosynthetic pathway, was not observed during flower opening, thus indicating the possibility that the B-carotene pathway was activated during flower opening in boronia. The understanding of these processes may assist in optimizing harvest and postharvest processes useful to the boronia extraction industry.
History
Publication title
Journal of Agricultural and Food ChemistryVolume
57Issue
4Pagination
1513-1520ISSN
0021-8561Department/School
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)Publisher
American Chemical SocietyPlace of publication
United StatesRights statement
Copyright 2009 American Chemical SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted