Title
Anthocyanins in Autumn Leaf Senescence
Date of this Version
2002
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Anthocyanins are synthesized during leaf senescence in certain plants across virtually all biomes, but are most spectacular in the autumn foliage of temperate deciduous forests. The patterns of color production in senescing foliage depend at least partly upon species composition and their phenology. Both ecological and physiological explanations have been raised to explain why plants produce this pigment just before leaf fall. Physiological explanations, as photoprotection, predict that cyanic leaves would be better able to resorb nitrogen during the process of chlorophyll degradation. Ecological explanations predict better dispersal of propagules advertised by association with the brilliantly colored leaves (plausible for only a minority of species), or warning against egg-laying activity of herbivorous insects, as aphids. These hypotheses make predictions that we now can test, to help us understand this old mystery - and majestic phenomenon.
Recommended Citation
David W. Lee, Anthocyanins in autumn leaf senescence, Advances in Botanical Research, Academic Press, 2002, Volume 37, Pages 147-165, ISSN 0065-2296, ISBN 9780120059379, 10.1016/S0065-2296(02)37048-4. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065229602370484)
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