Characterization of a novel anthocyanin profile in wild black raspberry mutants: An opportunity for studying the genetic control of pigment and color

The type and amount of anthocyanins in raspberries, and other small fruits, has recently received increased attention. Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.), in particular, has long been recognized as a rich source of anthocyanins and has been the focus of many recent studies examining their potential health benefits. In this study, we characterized a novel anthocyanin profile found in seedlings of two wild black raspberry populations collected from South Dakota, USA. Seedlings from these populations lack pigments glycosylated with rutinoside in their fruit, have elevated levels of cyanidin-3-sambubioside, and contain a small but significant amount of pelargonidin-3-glucoside, a pigment reported only once previously in black raspberry. Affected fruit also have lower than typical total anthocyanins (77.5–134.4 mg 100 mL−1). Based on the available evidence, we believe the plants have a mutation in the gene encoding anthocyanidin-3-glycoside rhamnosyltransferase (3RT), providing a unique opportunity to identify and study one of the major genes in the anthocyanin pathway and its effect on fruit anthocyanins and color.

► Seeds of undomesticated black raspberries were collected from the wild and grown in a research plot.
► These black raspberry mutants have novel anthocyanin profile previously unreported.
► These mutants lack anthocyanins glycosylated with rutinoside.
► These mutants afford an opportunity to identify the gene(s) linked to anthocyanidin-3-glycoside rhamnosyltransferase (3RT).