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Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2024, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (28): 42-50.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2023-0836

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Advances in Leaf Color Change Mechanism and Breeding of Osmanthus fragrans

TU Xunliang(), JIANG Yu, QIN Fan, WANG Jin, WAN Bin()   

  1. Horticulture Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Biology and Germplasm Improvement of Horticultural Crops (Southwest Regions), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu 610066
  • Received:2023-12-08 Revised:2024-06-18 Online:2024-10-05 Published:2024-09-29

Abstract:

The author briefly outlined the fundamental concepts of the Osmanthus fragrans colour group and categorized the existing new varieties based on leaf coloration-emerging into two types of monochromatic and polychromatic (chimera). This article elaborated on the three types of pigments presented in the leaves-chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, their contents and ratios, as well as the influencing factors and leaf color change mechanisms. Furthermore, it summarized the characteristics and current applications of cross-breeding, mutation breeding, and genetic engineering in O. fragrans. It also suggested strengthening the functional analysis of genes involved in the O. fragrans colour group and innovation in breeding technology, to obtain breakthrough new varieties with superior traits, strong adaptability, and excellent ornamental qualities, aiming to propel the continuous development of the O. fragrans colour group breeding program.

Key words: Osmanthus fragrans, leaf color change, pigment, chimera, breeding