Title : The genetic and biochemical secrets behind rosa canina’s white petals
Abstract:
The transition of Rosa canina L. petals from pink to white is a captivating botanical phenomenon, influenced by a complex interplay of chemical and genetic factors. This study delineates the progression across five developmental stages, highlighting the fluctuating concentrations of flavonoids and anthocyanins, alongside shifts in colorimetric values and gene expression patterns. The initial stage is characterized by a rich flavonoid profile, with Rutin and Kaempferol derivatives dominating. In contrast, the subsequent stage marks the zenith of anthocyanin concentration, correlating with the deepest color saturation. Advanced chromatographic analyses have identified key flavonoids persisting into the final white petal stage. A novel finding is the dramatic 137.82-fold increase in ANS gene expression at the concluding stage, suggesting a pivotal role in petal color maturation, despite the absence of visible pigmentation. This research reveals a paradigm shift in the understanding of petal pigmentation, implicating a reduction in anthocyanin synthesis and a concurrent rise in flavonol concentration as the mechanism behind the emergence of white petals.
