Effect of photoperiod on flavonoid pathway activity in sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) leaves

Compared with those of major commercial leafy vegetables, leaves of sweet potato have higher contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide significant health benefits and may be used as natural colourants. We have analysed the expression of key flavonoid biosynthesis genes using RT-PCR an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Food chemistry 2010-01, Vol.118 (2), p.384-390
Main Authors: Carvalho, Isabel S., Cavaco, Teresa, Carvalho, Lara M., Duque, Paula
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthocyanins
biochemical pathways
Biological and medical sciences
biosynthesis
Catechins
chemical constituents of plants
coumaric acids
flavanols
Flavonoid pathway
flavonoids
Flavonols
Food industries
Fruit and vegetable industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene expression
gene induction
genes
HPLC
Hydroxybenzoic acids
Hydroxycinnamic acids
Ipomoea batatas
leaves
phenolic acids
Photoperiod
phytochemicals
polyphenols
protective effect
RT-PCR, sweet potato
sweet potatoes
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Summary:Compared with those of major commercial leafy vegetables, leaves of sweet potato have higher contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide significant health benefits and may be used as natural colourants. We have analysed the expression of key flavonoid biosynthesis genes using RT-PCR and the accumulation of polyphenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode-array detector, during the development of leaves of sweet potato plants growing under either long day or short day photoperiods. A massive induction of flavonoid pathway gene expression, correlating with a dramatic increase in the content of an anthocyanin, catechins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxybenzoic acids, was observed during sweet potato leaf exposure to a long day photoperiod. These results provide further support for the protective role of flavonoids and phenolic acids against enhanced light exposure in plants.
ISSN:0308-8146
1873-7072
DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.05.005