Combined transcriptomic, metabolomic and physiological analysis reveals the key role of nitrogen, but not phosphate and potassium in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis induced by nutrient deficiency in Eucalyptus.

Anthocyanin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus plants can be flexibly and rapidly modulated in response to hormones or environmental stimuli, including nutrient deprivation (ND). However, the underlying mechanism of ND in inducing anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants remains largely elusive. In this study, we discovered that anthocyanin levels in leaves and stems could well reflect nitrogen availability in Eucalyptus.

Reactive oxygen species act as the key signaling molecules mediating light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus.

Light plays a pivotal role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants, and the early light-responsive signals that initiate anthocyanin biosynthesis remain to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that the anthocyanin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus is hypersensitive to increased light intensity. The combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted on Eucalyptus leaves after moderate (ML; 100 μmol m s) and high (HL; 300 μmol m s) light intensity treatments.