Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the anthocyanin regulatory networks in Lagerstroemia indica petals

Malvidin-3-O-glucoside and Peonidin-3-O-glucoside may contribute to variation of petal color in the three varieties. The upregulation of ANS, CHI, F3H, F3'H and UGT expression is involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis of the red pigmentation in the L. indica variety. Expression of twelve transcription factor genes has a strongly positive correlation with expression of structural genes. Collectively, our results may facilitate the genetic breeding and cultivation of L. indica with enhanced red pigmentation.