Transcriptomic and Physiological Analyses of Pigment Accumulation in Eucommia ulmoides ‘Hongye’

Eucommia ulmoides ‘Hongye’ is a new ornamental variety of E. with excellent red or purple foliage. We found that exhibited gradual change from green to colour under light conditions. However, the colouring mechanism in leaves remains unclear. In this study, we compared pigment content and leaf index at five stages those ‘Xiaoye’, which was used as control variety. The transcriptome sequencing data first-period (H1, green) fifth-period (H5, red) were also analysed compared. corresponding gene regulation anthocyanin-related metabolic pathways then analysed. Physiological results indicated contents flavonoids anthocyanins (H5) significantly higher than (H1), whereas chlorophyll lower (H1). Moreover, carotenoid did not differ between two varieties. A analysis identified 4240 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 20 these be involved flavonoid anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. provide reference for further study colouration ulmoides.