Characterization of Cyanic Flower Color of Delphinium Cultivars

Abstract

Sepal coloration and pigmentation were identified on 21 Delphinium individuals. A significant reciprocal relationship has been found between brightness and lightness on a CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) diagram in which flower color ranges from very pale to vivid. Chromatic components a and b also showed a significant correlation by which cultivars were classified into three color groups ; white-pink, purple-light purple and blue-light blue flowered individuals. The types and concentrations of anthocyanins are important factors in flower coloration ; the composition of such pigments, as non-acylated delphinidin glycosides, violdelphin (two p-hydroxybenzoates) and cyanodelphin (four p-hydroxybenzoates) produced in the calyx immediately reflect on perceived color. As being corresponded to the respective color groups, thus subsequently develop bluishness in accordance with accumulation of acylation.