Anthocyanins in autumn leaf senescence

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2296(02)37048-4Get rights and content

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.

References (47)

  • R. Aerts

    Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves of perennials: are there general patterns?

    Journal of Ecology

    (1996)
  • R.L. Blackman et al.

    Aphids on the World's Trees

    (1994)
  • L. Chalker-Scott

    Environmental significance of anthocyanins in plant stress responses

    Photochemistry and Photobiology

    (1999)
  • K.G. Chang et al.

    Anthocyanins in autumn leaves of quaking aspen in Colorado

    Forest Science

    (1989)
  • P.D. Coley et al.

    Herbivory and plant defense in tropical forests

    Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics

    (1996)
  • D.E. Collier et al.

    Changes in respiration and chemical content during autumnal senescence of Populus tremuloides and Quercus rubra leaves

    Tree Physiology

    (1995)
  • T.S. Feild et al.

    Why leaves turn red in autumn. The role of anthocyanins in senescing leaves of red-osier dogwood

    Plant Physiology

    (2001)
  • G.S. Fraenkel

    The raison d'être of secondary plant substances

    Science

    (1959)
  • K. Furata

    Early budding of Acer palmatum caused by the shade; intraspecific heterogeneity of the host for the maple aphid

    Bulletin of the Tokyo University Forests

    (1990)
  • O. Gertz

    Studier öfver Anthocyan

    (1906)
  • W.D. Hamilton et al.

    Autumn tree colours as a handicap signal

  • J.B. Harborne et al.

    The anthocyanins

  • G.A.F. Hendry

    Where does all the green go?

    New Scientist

    (1988)
  • Cited by (0)

    View full text