CHANGES IN THE PIGMENT COMPOSITION OF CALLISTEMON LEAVES DURING THE ACTIVE GROWING SEASON

The nature of the accumulation of anthocyanins and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) in the leaves of nine Callistemon species has been studied, with an analysis of the influence of hydrothermal factors on this process. It is recorded that changes in the degree of water availability, temperature and humidity of the air lead to changes in the accumulation of different pigment groups in the leaves of experimental plants. Correlation analysis showed a close inverse relationship between the chlorophyll content in the leaf and air humidity (r = -0.82), and a direct and weaker relationship between air humidity and carotenoid synthesis (r = 0.59). The variability in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids is quite high (V > 30 %), which is due to the strong influence of environmental factors on the synthesis of these pigments. The accumulation of anthocyanins is influenced by the amount of precipitation (r = 0.65). The ratio of ∑chlorine./∑car. is in the range of 3.79–4.86 units, the variability of the trait is quite high (on average, V = 35 %). This indicator is significantly affected by air humidity (r = -0.82). The ratio of photosynthetic pigments to anthocyanins is strongly influenced by changes in precipitation (r = 0.50–0.67), and the variability of the Σchlor ratio./Σant. and Σcar./Σant. is high (V ≥ 50 %). The accumulation and variability of all pigment groups in callistemon leaves revealed a specific feature, which is expressed not only in a different number of pigments, but also in the variability of features. Further research will make it possible to determine not only the dynamics of accumulation of various biochemical components, but also to establish their participation in the formation of the adaptive response of callistemon species to growing conditions.