Identification of Anthocyanins and Intermediates of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis from Petunia hybrida Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract

A procedure to identify dihydroflavonol (glucosides), cinnamic acids and anthocyanins in flowers of Petunia hybrida is presented. Nearly all known intermediates and anthocyanins ocur- ring in Petunia are separated on one column using different elution systems. Hydrolysis of extracts before HPLC and thin layer chromatography is in some cases necessary to make positive identification of flavonoids. Anthocyanins in flowers of Petunia hybrida can occur, depending on genotype, as acylated anthocyanins. Two types of acylated anthocyanins have been identified differing in polarity and thus in retention times on HPLC and TLC. The difference in acylation is genetically deter­mined and gives rise to minor colour differences.