Environmental influences on foliar anthocyanin production in Pinguicula planifolia (Lentibulariaceae)

Jenna Annis, Janice Coons, David N. Zaya, Brenda Molano-Flores

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study the environmental factors influencing foliar anthocyanin production in Pinguicula planifolia, a carnivorous plant whose leaves express varying colors of red and green, were examined. Seven P. planifolia sites within the Florida Panhandle were used. At each site, chlorophyll and anthocyanin content in leaves and environmental factors (light intensity, water depth, soil/water nutrients and pH, and vegetation height) were measured. At one of the sites, a light manipulation study (i.e., control, clipped, and caged) was conducted to test the effects of normal, heightened, and lowered solar radiation on red and green plants. Overall, foliar anthocyanin was influenced by environmental factors (i.e., light intensity as affected by water depth and vegetation height, vegetation cover, soil/water nutrient content) and the light manipulation study confirmed the role of light intensity on anthocyanin production. This study provides evidence that light intensity alone can effectively increase or decrease anthocyanin production in P. planifolia. Further work is needed to determine if anthocyanins may serve as a type of protective screening from ultraviolet radiation in this species.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)269-277
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the Torrey Botanical Society
Volume146
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2019

Keywords

  • Anthocyanins
  • carnivorous plants
  • light intensity
  • Pinguicula planifolia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Plant Science

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