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Review article2022Peer reviewedOpen access

Anthocyanin-Rich Vegetables for Human Consumption—Focus on Potato, Sweetpotato and Tomato

Mattoo, Autar K.; Dwivedi, Sangam L.; Dutt, Som; Singh, Brajesh; Garg, Monika; Ortiz, Rodomiro

Abstract

Malnutrition, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle changes have become major risk factors for non-communicable diseases while adversely impacting economic growth and sustainable development. Anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids that are rich in fruits and vegetables, contribute positively to human health. This review focuses on genetic variation harnessed through crossbreeding and biotechnology-led approaches for developing anthocyanins-rich fruit and vegetable crops. Significant progress has been made in identifying genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in various crops. Thus, the use of genetics has led to the development and release of anthocyanin-rich potato and sweet potato cultivars in Europe and the USA. The purple potato 'Kufri Neelkanth' has been released for cultivation in northern India. In Europe, the anthocyanin-rich tomato cultivar 'Sun Black' developed via the introgression of Aft and atv genes has been released. The development of anthocyanin-rich food crops without any significant yield penalty has been due to the use of genetic engineering involving specific transcription factors or gene editing. Anthocyanin-rich food ingredients have the potential of being more nutritious than those devoid of anthocyanins. The inclusion of anthocyanins as a target characteristic in breeding programs can ensure the development of cultivars to meet the nutritional needs for human consumption in the developing world.

Keywords

biofortification; biosafety regulations; colored vegetables; flavonoids; gene editing; genetic tags; transgenes

Published in

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2022, Volume: 23, number: 5, article number: 2634

    Sustainable Development Goals

    Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
    End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Genetics and Breeding
    Agricultural Science
    Horticulture

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23052634

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/116225