Temperature-dependent Expression of Betacyanin Synthesis in Amaranthus Seedlings.

Two phenomena related to temperature effects have been observed during the induction of betacyanin synthesis by a cytokinin (benzyladenine) in Amaranthus tricolor seedlings. One is a total inhibition of betacyanin accumulation at a temperature (39 C) at which seedling growth is unimpaired, and where there is still adequate uptake of benzyladenine. The other is the apparent induction of a higher potential for subsequent betacyanin synthesis following pretreatment of the seedlings at an elevated temperature.