Development of Anthocyanin Pigmentation in Flowers ofLathyrus odoratus

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Abstract
A quantitative study has been made of developmental changes in the anthocyanins and a flavonol glycoside in the red/blue bicoloured flowers of Lathyrus odoratus L. Anthocyanin formation occurs during the period of most rapid growth of the petals. At maturity about four times as much anthocyanin is present in the standard petal as in the pair of wing petals, which are together comparable in fresh weight to the standard. The pattern of development of flavonol glycoside is quite different; some are formed well before anthocyanin formation occurs and at maturity about six times as much flavonol glycoside is present in the wings as in the standard per unit amount of anthocyanin. Some further evidence is thus provide that the flavonol glycoside may be acting as a co-pigment which modifies the wing petal colour to blue.