The dynamic process of anthocyanin accumulation in black rice grains under different sowing dates and its relationship with meteorological factors were studied to provide reference for the breeding of high anthocyanin black rice varieties and adjusting sowing dates to optimize favorable meteorological conditions for black rice growth, thereby enhancing anthocyanin content in grains.
Three black rice varieties (Heinuo, Lirenzi and Yanziuo 35) with significant difference in anthocyanin content in grains were selected as materials, and 5 sowing dates (B1-B5) were set for each from 2022 to 2023. Samples were taken every 5 days after flowering to determine anthocyanin content in grains. The anthocyanin accumulation characteristics of black rice in grains at each sowing date were analyzed based on Logistic equation. The response mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation characteristics to meteorological factors was discussed by path analysis and regression analysis.
The sowing date changed the meteorological factors during the grain filling period of black rice, and shortened overall growth period of black rice by shortening the initial heading date. The genotype was found to be the primary determinant of anthocyanin content in black rice grains, and its accumulation characteristics (Wa, MRa, MeRa, TMRa, WMRa, Da) were most significantly influenced by variations in sowing dates. There is an observed trend of decreasing followed by increasing anthocyanin accumulation with delayed sowing dates. Latesowing is more conducive to the accumulation of anthocyanins in grains than early sowing. The process of anthocyanin accumulation in grains exhibited a “slow-fast-slow” pattern with peak values reached 9.79-15.35 days after flowering; this process was regulated by year type, sowing date and intervariety factors. Path analysis results indicated that Wa is mainly determined by MeRa and Da, with MeRa contributing the most to Wa. Furthermore, characteristic parameters of anthocyanin accumulation in grains showed significant negative correlations with light and temperature climatic factors during the effective filling period. Notably, air temperature had a significant influence on anthocyanin accumulation: as Tamax, Dheat and Savg increased, Da decreased along with MeRa and Wa; an average temperature range of 25.0-27.4 ℃ during the filling period was found to be optimal for anthocyanin accumulation in grains.
The effect of sowing date on anthocyanin accumulation in black rice grains reflects the comprehensive effect of meteorological factors, with temperature being the primary factor influencing anthocyanin accumulation. This, in turn, affects both the rate and duration of anthocyanin accumulation. Based on this, it is advisable to select black rice varieties with high anthocyanin content according to the planting system. Timely seeding from late June to early July can optimize the adaptation of meteorological elements during the grouting period, leading to an increase in grain anthocyanin content.