Solar UV light regulates flavonoid metabolism in apple (<i>Malus</i> x <i>domestica)</i>

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  • Rebecca A. Henry‐Kirk
    The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) Private Bag 92169 Auckland New Zealand
  • Blue Plunkett
    The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) Private Bag 92169 Auckland New Zealand
  • Miriam Hall
    The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) Private Bag 92169 Auckland New Zealand
  • Tony McGhie
    Plant and Food Research, Palmerston North Research Centre Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand
  • Andrew C. Allan
    The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) Private Bag 92169 Auckland New Zealand
  • Jason J. Wargent
    Institute of Agriculture and Environment Massey University Private Bag 11222 Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand
  • Richard V. Espley
    The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR) Private Bag 92169 Auckland New Zealand

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<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Ultraviolet‐B light (UV‐B) is one environmental signal perceived by plants that affects the flavonoid pathway and influences the levels of anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. To understand the mechanisms underlying UV exposure, apple trees were grown under spectral filters that altered transmission of solar UV light. Fruit analysis showed that UV induced changes in physiology, metabolism, and gene expression levels during development over a season. These changes were sustained after storage. Under low UV, ripening was delayed, fruit size decreased, and anthocyanin and flavonols were reduced. Expression analysis showed changes in response to UV light levels for genes in the regulation and biosynthesis of anthocyanin and flavonols. Transcription of flavonol synthase (FLS), ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), MYB10, and MYB22 were down‐regulated throughout fruit development under reduced UV. Functional testing showed that the FLS promoter was activated by HY5, and this response was enhanced by the presence of MYB22. The MYB22 promoter can also be activated by the anthocyanin regulator, MYB10. As ambient levels of UV light vary around the globe, this study has implications for future crop production, the quality of which can be determined by the response to UV.</jats:p>

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