Anthocyanin constitutions of flowers in newly established colored tuberoses (Polianthes)

The anthocyanin constitutions of the flowers of Polianthes tuberosa 'Single', 'Double', P. howardii and their nine hybrids with reddish purple, pale purple, pale red, reddish pink and orange obtained by the crossings and backcrossings were analyzed. Among the parents and hybrids, two white flowered cultivars of P. tuberosa had no anthocyanins. Other hybrids and P. howardii contained anthocyanins in their petals. The main anthocyanidin in the petals of anthocyanin containing flowers was cyanidin with which some hybrids also contained delphinidin. Reddish purple or pale purple flower hybrids contained delphinidin glycoside with cyanidin glycoside, whereas only cyanidin glycosides were contained in the flowers of orange, pale red and reddish pink. On the basis of these findings, several aspects for future breeding of tuberose were discussed.