Biochemical Characterization of Corolla and Carpel During Flower Ageing in Pigeonpea (Cajanus Cajan L.)

In corolla the carotenoids, starch and total proteins significantly increased upto 12 hours after anthesis followed by a gradual decline, while the total soluble carbohydrates started declining after anthesis. The reducing sugars showed significantly higher values at 12 hours after anthesis in corolla. In carpel, the carotenoids, total soluble carbohydrates and proteins increased sharply upto 12 hours after anthesis, whereas starch content remained low upto 12 hours after anthesis and then increased sharply afterward. Higher activities of α-amylase and protease were noted in corolla than in carpel.