Anthocyanin Formation in Excised Segments of Buckwheat-Seedling Hypocotyls

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Abstract
The suitability of hypocotyl segments excised from dark-grown buckwheat seedlings (Fagopyrum sagittatum) for use in the study of anthocyanin synthesis was investigated. Under the conditions used, anthocyanin formation in response to light and a subsequent dark period occurred in much the same manner in excised hypocotyls or hypocotyl segments as in hypocotyls of intact plants. The pigment formed was evidently a glycoside of cyanidin. After an initial lag period the amount of the pigment formed varied linearly with the duration of the light period at the particular constant illumination used, and was greater if the temperature during the dark period was low (10[degree]C). Hypocotyls from seedlings 6-7 days old formed more anthocyanin than those from older or younger plants. The quantity of pigment formed in excised hypocotyls was smaller than that synthesized in comparable organs of intact plants. The magnitude of this decrease caused by excision became smaller as the age of the seedling increased. Excision of the hypocotyl before exposure to light resulted in an even greater reduction in the amount of anthocyanin synthesized than excision after the light period. Under some conditions, supplying sucrose increased the pigment formed in the excised material to a value equal to that formed in intact plants.