PLANT PIGMENTS
Pigments responsible for flower colour are carotenoids, chlorophylls, anthoxanthins and anthocyanins. The carotenoids are a group of yellow, orange and orange red fat soluble pigments. Carotenoids with hydroxyl groups are called xanthophylls. Chlorophylls are fat soluble pigments and they generally in the form of chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b in the ratio of 3:1. The flavanoids are water soluble and they consist of the anthocyanins which are responsible for red, blue and purple pigment; anthoxanthin for yellow and leucoanthocyanins which are colourless but readily change to brown. The plant pigments and their sources obtained from ornamentals are listed below (Table) Table: Pigments and Respective Ornamental Plants Pigments Flower crops Pelargonidin Dahlia, Geranium, Stock, Verbena, Delphinium, Tulip, Cineraria Cyanklin Dahlia, Petunia, Lily, Ipomoea, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Dendrobium, Rose, Iris, Snapdr...