April 10/London/Community Research and Development Information Service (Cordis) -- Researchers in China, Italy and the U.K. have discovered what gene is responsible for blood orange pigmentation, and how it is controlled. The results, presented in the journal The Plant Cell, could help improve the growth of health-promoting blood oranges and lead to novel solutions for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. The study was partially supported by two EU-funded projects: FLORA and ATHENA. FLORA (“Flavonoids and Related Phenolics for Healthy Living Using Orally Recommended Antioxidants”) received EUR 3.3 million under the “Food quality and safety” Thematic area of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). ATHENA (“Anthocyanin and Polyphenol Bioactives for Health Enhancement Through Nutritional Advancement”) has received almost EUR 3 million under the “Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology” Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Program(FP7).
Led by the John Innes Centre in the U.K., researchers said blood oranges usually need a period of cold as they ripen in order to develop red pigmentation. While many areas around the world produce these oranges, the Sicilian area around Mount Etna in Italy is the best place to produce them reliably. Sunny days and cold nights, as well as sunny days and warm nights make for the best orange-producing conditions, found in this Italian area.