Variable expression of anthocyanin in flower and stem of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): Breeding implications

Abstract

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an important seed spice crop widely cultivated in India and the world for flavouring and seasoning of food and food products. Morphologically, two distinct kinds of plants are observed in coriander, one having light green stem having purely white flowers and the other with green stem having somewhat light purple blush on it bearing pink coloured flowers. Anthocyanin is the pigment responsible for this variable colouration of coriander stem and flower. This paper aims to discuss the variability observed in flower and stem colour of coriander and its possible ways of exploitation for crop improvement in terms of high germination, yield, quality and stress (pest and cold) resistance.