© The Authors, 2025, Published by the Universidad del Zulia*Corresponding author: mao.aguilar@correo.buap.mx
Keywords:
Anthocyanins
Biometric proportionality
Dickson quality
Robustness index
Growth rate
Eect of solar irradiation, substrate type and environment on the growth and ornamental
quality of Euphorbia cotinifolia plants
Efecto de la irradiación solar, tipo de sustrato y ambiente, sobre el crecimiento y calidad ornamental
en plantas de Euphorbia cotinifolia
Efeito da irradiância solar, do tipo de substrato e do ambiente no crescimento e qualidade ornamental
de plantas de Euphorbia cotinifolia
Jesús Mao Aguilar-Luna*
Liliana Hernández-Vargas
1
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(3): e254234
ISSN 2477-9407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47280/RevFacAgron(LUZ).v42.n3.V
Crop production
Associate editor: Dr. Jorge Vilchez-Perozo
University of Zulia, Faculty of Agronomy
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Ingeniería
Agroforestal. 73640. México.
Received: 07-05-2025
Accepted: 24-06-2025
Published: 07-07-2025
Abstract
Euphorbia cotinifolia L. is an ornamental plant of economic
importance due to the red-purple color of its foliage. The objective
of this research was to evaluate the eect of solar irradiation,
substrate type and environment on the growth and ornamental
quality of E. cotinifolia plants propagated from semi-woody
cuttings. Two experiments were conducted from June 2022 to
March 2023, in Tetela de Ocampo and Huitzilan de Serdan, Puebla,
Mexico. Each experiment had 20 treatments. The experiments had a
2x5x2 factorial design; factor 1 was growth environments, its levels:
temperate climate (STC), and subtropical (SHC). Factor 2 was solar
irradiation, its levels: 80, 240, 347, 394, and 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
. Factor
3 was the type of substrate, its levels: river sand with peat moss
(AT), and forest soil with perlite (SP). At 243 days after rooting,
the highest values were: 32.98 cm for terminal shoot growth, 4.80
mm.day
-1
in growth rate, 1.76 in robustness index, 1.32 in Dickson’s
index. The maximum anthocyanin concentration was 4.94 mg.g
-1
in
red-purple leaves. The highest values and the red-purple color of
the foliage (quality indicator) occurred when the plants were grown
on AT substrate, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
in SHC climate. It is concluded
that in tropical climate, plants develop with better quality; river
sand with peat moss is recommended as substrate, and exposure to
high light intensities.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(3): e254234 July-September. ISSN 2477-9409.
2-7 |
Resumen
Euphorbia cotinifolia L. es una planta ornamental de importancia
económica por el color rojo-púrpura de su follaje. Se evaluó el
efecto de la radiación solar, el tipo de sustrato y el ambiente, sobre
el crecimiento y la calidad ornamental en plantas de E. cotinifolia,
propagadas a partir de esquejes semileñosos. Dos experimentos se
realizaron de junio 2022 a marzo de 2023, en Tetela de Ocampo y
Huitzilan de Serdán, Puebla, México. Cada experimento tuvo 20
tratamientos. Los experimentos tuvieron un diseño factorial 2x5x2;
el factor 1 fue ambientes de crecimiento, sus niveles: clima templado
(STC) y subtropical (SHC). El factor 2 fue la irradiación solar, sus
niveles: 80, 240, 347, 394, y 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
. El factor 3 fue el tipo
de sustrato, sus niveles: arena de río con turba (AT) y suelo forestal
con perlita (SP). A los 243 días después del enraizamiento, los valores
más altos fueron: 32,98 cm para el crecimiento del brote terminal,
4,80 mm.día
-1
en tasa de crecimiento, 1,76 en índice de robustez, 1,32
en índice de Dickson. La concentración máxima de antocianinas fue
de 4,94 mg.g
-1
en hojas rojo-púrpura. Los valores más altos y el color
rojo-púrpura del follaje (indicador de calidad), se presentaron cuando
las plantas crecieron en sustrato AT, a 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
en clima SHC.
Se concluye que en clima subtropical, las plantas se desarrollan con
mejor calidad; se recomienda como sustrato la arena de río con turba
y su exposición a altas intensidades lumínicas.
Palabras clave: antocianinas, proporcionalidad biométrica, calidad
de Dickson, índice de robustez, tasa de crecimiento.
Resumo
A Euphorbia cotinifolia L. é uma planta ornamental de importância
econômica devido à cor vermelho-púrpura de sua folhagem. Foi
avaliado o efeito da radiação solar, do tipo de substrato e do ambiente
no crescimento e qualidade ornamental de plantas de E. cotinifolia,
propagadas a partir de estacas semi-lenhosas. Dois experimentos foram
conduzidos de junho de 2022 a março de 2023, em Tetela de Ocampo
e Huitzilan de Serdán, Puebla, México. Cada experimento tinha 20
tratamentos. Os experimentos tinham um projeto fatorial 2x5x2; o fator
1 era ambientes de crescimento, seus níveis: clima temperado (STC)
e subtropical (SHC). O fator 2 foi a irradiância solar, seus níveis: 80,
240, 347, 394 e 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
. O fator 3 foi o tipo de substrato, seus
níveis: areia de rio com turfa (AT) e solo de oresta com perlita (SP).
Aos 243 dias após o enraizamento, os valores mais altos foram: 32,98
cm para o crescimento do broto terminal, 4,80 mm.dia
-1
na taxa de
crescimento, 1,76 no índice de robustez, 1,32 no índice de Dickson.
A concentração máxima de antocianina foi de 4,94 mg.g
-1
nas folhas
vermelho-púrpura. Os valores mais altos e a cor vermelho-púrpura
da folhagem (indicador de qualidade) ocorreram quando as plantas
foram cultivadas em substrato AT, a 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
no clima SHC.
Conclui-se que num clima subtropical, as plantas se desenvolvem com
melhor qualidade; recomenda-se como substrato areia de rio com turfa
e exposição a altas intensidades de luz.
Palavras-chave: antocianinas, proporcionalidade biométrica,
qualidade de Dickson, índice de robustez, taxa de crescimento.
Introduction
The Caribbean Copper Plant (Euphorbia cotinifolia L.) is an
ornamental shrub whose economic value depends on the dark red or
purple color of its leaves. In Mexico, its demand as an ornamental
plant increases in recent times, with prices that range from USD $4.44
to USD $59.18 depending on size. Its altitudinal distribution ranges
from 200 to 2,600 m.a.s.l. (Charcape et al., 2015). It exists in warm
and even cold places; it withstands lack of water and direct exposure
to solar irradiation. It reaches a height of 3 to 4 m and a basal diameter
of 35 cm. It has a highly branched crown and is a semi-deciduous
perennial (de Oliveira & Sartori-Paoli, 2016).
The leaves are 2 to 6 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide, opposite,
alternate and ternate, ovate-rounded, with entire margins, truncate or
emarginate apex. They exhibit a dark red or purple color, with petioles
from 2 to 6 cm long that appear less reddish (El Mokni, 2023). Like
all Euphorbiaceae, the presence of latex is evident from a very early
age (de Oliveira and Sartori-Paoli, 2016; Jayalakshmi et al., 2021).
Solar irradiation greatly inuences the growth and development of
E. cotinifolia. The intensity of solar irradiation directly aects stem
elongation, leaf color and foliage retention. Low intensities of solar
irradiation produce dull green leaves (Frajman & Geltman, 2021).
A quality plant has the capacity to adapt and develop under
specic climatic and soil conditions (Villalón-Mendoza et al.,
2016). According to Haase (2008), several indicators assess quality,
such as robustness, which associates with vigor and success after
transplanting. Dry biomass correlates with survival and reects plant
development in nursery. Basal diameter correlates with the weight of
the aerial part and root system.
The robustness index measures plant resistance to wind desiccation,
survival and potential growth in dry sites; its low values indicate
plants of smaller size and larger stem diameter (Haase, 2008). The
Dickson quality index evaluates morphological dierences between
plants and predicts their eld behavior; higher index values indicate
higher plant quality (Villalón-Mendoza et al., 2016). Additional
quality indices for E. cotinifolia include anthocyanin production in
leaves and red color intensity.
E. cotinifolia produces anthocyanins in its leaves, which create
its dark red or purple hue (Jayalakshmi et al., 2021). Intense solar
irradiation stimulates anthocyanin production, potentially as a
protective mechanism. Higher solar irradiation intensity results in
increased anthocyanin production and darker red leaf coloration. The
scientic literature on the use of solar irradiation as an agronomic
and management factor for ornamental production in this species is
limited. Under partial shade conditions, the foliage turns green, which
reduces its ornamental value. Based on the above scenario, the goal of
this research was to evaluate the eect of solar irradiation, substrate
type and environment on the growth and ornamental quality of E.
cotinifolia plants propagated from semi-woody cuttings.
Materials and methods
Experimental sites
The research was conducted from June 2022 to March 2023 (243
days), at two experimental sites (table 1).
Plant material
For each experiment, 150 semi-woody cuttings from healthy
12-year-old trees were used. The cuttings were 0.7 to 1.5 cm in diameter
and 20 cm length. The apical end was cut at 45º above the bud and
the basal end was cut horizontally below the bud. They were washed
under running water and disinfected with N-(trichloromethylthio)
cyclohex-4-ene-1,2-dicarboximide at a dose of 3 g in 1 L of water,
immersed and left to dry in the shade for 12 h. To promote rooting of
the cuttings, 0.3 % Indole-3-butyric acid was used.
 =
2 
2 
1
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Aguilar and Hernández. Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(3): e254234
3-7 |
Table 1. Experimental locations for growing Euphorbia cotinifolia, in Mexico, Years 2022 and 2023.
Site, State N W
ALT
(m)
MAT
(ºC)
MAP
(mm)
Climate
(Köppen)
Environment
Tetela de Ocampo, Puebla. 19°49’01’’ 97°47’36’’ 1764 13.9 971 Cwb Sub-humid temperate climate (STC).
Huitzilan de Serdan, Puebla. 19°58’00’’ 97°41’00’’ 1230 24.7 1163.5 Cfa Subtropical highland climate (SHC).
N: north latitude. W: west longitude. ALT: altitude. MAT: mean annual temperature. MAP: mean annual precipitation.
Substrates
Substrate 1 consisted of a mixture of river sand and peat moss
(genus Sphagnum) (4:1, v:v). Substrate 2 consisted of a mixture of
forest soil and perlite (3:1, v:v). For each experiment, 150 black
nursery bags (15 x 20 cm) were lled, 75 with substrate one and 75
with substrate two. Throughout the experiment, the cuttings were kept
at eld capacity and watered every ve days. The substrates were
disinfected by autoclaving (All American 75x) at 121 ºC for 20 min.
Experimental phase
The cuttings were planted at a depth of 5 cm. The cuttings emitted
callus and root primordium after two months, which were manifested
with leaves and buds on the aerial system. Subsequently, the
experimental phase began with the management of solar irradiation.
Shade netting (Polisack) with dierent colors and shading percentages
(90, 65, 50 and 30 %) and without cover was placed above the plants
to lter the passage of solar irradiation, at a height of 60 cm above
the ground.
The solar irradiance levels (80, 240, 347, 394 and 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
,
respectively) were obtained by previously averaging 200 data for
each type of screen, randomly for one year, at dierent times of the
day in full sun exposure. A light scout spectrometer (Quantum Light
Meter), sn: 4957, mfg code: 1703, was used immediately below the
shade net and above the plant. During the experiments, there were no
pests, diseases, or weeds, and each plant received 10 g of 17-17-17
fertilizer every 40 days.
Treatments and experimental design
Each experiment consisted of 20 treatments. The experiments
had a 2x5x2 factorial design; factor 1 was growth environments,
its levels: STC and SHC. Factor 2 was solar irradiation, its levels:
80, 240, 347, 394, and 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
. Factor 3 was the type of
substrate, its levels: river sand with peat moss, and forest soil with
perlite. The assignment of treatments to each experimental unit was
in randomized blocks, with ve replications.
Measurement of experimental variables
Terminal Shoot Elongation (TSE). It was the longitudinal
measurement of the apical meristem, at the beginning and at the end
of the experiment.
Growth Rate (GR). It was estimated with the equation of Hunt et
al. (2002):
Where: h2 = initial height of plant cutting. h1 = nal plant height.
t2 = end of the experiment. t1 = beginning of the experiment. s = bag
area occupied by the plant.
Robustness Index (RI). Also known as slenderness index; low
values are associated with better plant quality, because it is more
robust. It was determined with the equation:
Biometric Proportion Index (BPI). It is characterized by showing
the development of the plant in the nursery. The following equation
was used to obtain it:
Dickson Quality Index (DQI). Expresses the balance between
robustness and vigor. The higher this index, the better the quality of
the plant. The equation to determine it was:
Leaf color. For each treatment, 15 mid-section leaves were washed
with distilled water to remove impurities. The leaves were dried at 40
ºC for 72 h in a drying oven (Riossa, Model H-41). The dried material
was ground to a ne powder, of which 15 g were used. The sample
was placed and compacted inside a circular white plastic container
(4 cm diameter, 1 cm deep). Color measurement was performed on
the compacted surface using a CR-400 colorimetry meter (Konica
Minolta). Measurements included values of B (brightness), H angle
(hue) and C index (color saturation). The measurement occurred
under standard illumination conditions with adequate equipment
calibration.
Total anthocyanins. An acidied methanol solution (80 %, v/v in
distilled water with 1 %, v/v HCl) served as the extraction solvent
due to its proven ecacy with anthocyanins. Each treatment utilized
2.5 g of dried leaf powder mixed with 50 mL of solution, a ratio that
optimized extraction eciency (González-Lázaro et al., 2024).
The extraction occurred through dynamic maceration at 150
rpm in three sequential stages: 2 h at room temperature, 10 h at 4
ºC in darkness, and 2 nal hours at room temperature. This protocol
maximized anthocyanin yield while minimized degradation; the
low-temperature phase preserved anthocyanin stability (Enaru et al.,
2021).
After each step, samples underwent centrifugation at 4000 rpm for
10 min at 4 ºC. Combined supernatants were ltered through a 0.45 μm
nylon lter. Extraction yield evaluation occurred via spectrophotometric
quantication using the dierential pH method (Taghavi et al., 2022),
with absorbance measured at 520 nm and 700 nm.
Statistical procedures
The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when
statistical dierences between treatments were detected, Tukey’s
mean comparison tests were performed (P≤0.05) with the statistical
program Rstudio version 1.4.1717.
Results and discussion
Plant growth
The TSE showed statistical dierence (P≤0.05) increased as solar
irradiation increased, both in STC and SHC (gure 1A). The highest
 =
2 
2 
1
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(

)
( 
(
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(
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(
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 =
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(
)
 
 ()
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(

)
+
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    
(
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1
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(3): e254234 July-September. ISSN 2477-9409.
4-7 |
average value was 32.98 cm in plants grown on river sand with peat
moss substrate, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
in SHC. SHC had slightly higher TSE
values, particularly at irradiation levels from 347 to 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
.
TSE was reduced by 32.68 % when plants were grown in STC at 80
µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
, regardless of the substrate used.
The GR showed statistical dierence (P≤0.05) increased as solar
irradiation increased, both in STC and SHC (gure 1B). The highest
average value was 4.80 mm.day
-1
in plants grown on a substrate based
on river sand with peat moss, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
in SHC. SHC had
slightly higher GR values, particularly at irradiation levels from 394
to 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
. The GR was reduced by 76.25 % when plants
were grown in STC at 240 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
, in forest soil with perlite
substrate.
The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the plant
quality of E. cotinifolia, evaluated by morphophysiological indicators,
is signicantly inuenced by solar irradiation and substrate type,
with climate-dependent variations. TSE and GR showed a positive
correlation with increasing solar irradiation in both STC and
SHC, reaching maximum values of 32.98 cm and 4.80 mm.day
-1
,
respectively, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
with river sand and peat moss
substrate.
These ndings agree with previous studies in ornamental species,
where intense light promotes cell elongation and photoassimilate
synthesis, enhancing primary growth (Paradiso & Proietti, 2022).
However, the 32.68 % reduction in TSE and 76.25 % in GR suggest a
critical photoenergetic limitation, like that observed in Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis (L.) under moderate shading (Dos Santos et al., 2024).
Plant quality
The RI showed statistical dierence (P≤0.05) decreased as solar
irradiation increased, both in STC and SHC (gure 1C). The lowest
average value was 1.76 in plants grown on river sand with peat moss
substrate, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
in SHC. Slightly lower RI values were
observed in both environments, from 347 to 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
; it is
worth mentioning that low values of this index are desirable in plants.
The RI increased by 70.91 % when plants were grown in SHC at 80
µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
in forest soil with perlite substrate.
Experiments showed that neither solar irradiation nor substrate
type had a statistically signicant eect (P≤0.05) on the BPI (gure
1D). Plants developed from cuttings maintained similar biometric
proportions regardless of growth conditions. The DQI showed
statistical dierence (P≤0.05), increased as solar irradiation increased,
both in STC and in SHC (gure 1E). The highest average value was
1.32 in plants grown on a substrate based on river sand with peat
moss, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
in SHC. In both environments, high DQI
values were observed at radiation levels ranging from 347 to 571
µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
; higher values generally indicate better plant quality. DQI
was reduced by 62.12 % when plants were grown in STC from 80 to
240 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
, regardless of the substrate used.
RI decreased with higher irradiation levels (minimum value from
1.76 to 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
), reecting greater structural stability under
high light conditions, contrary to the trend observed in heliophytes
species such as Bougainvillea glabra (Choisy), where low irradiation
induces thinner stems and less lignication (Asif et al., 2024). This
divergence could be attributed to specic ecophysiological strategies
of E. cotinifolia, which prioritizes the allocation of resources to leaf
expansion over stem thickening at high irradiations.
Remarkable results include the absence of a signicant eect of
the factors evaluated on BPI, indicating that E. cotinifolia maintains a
constant ratio between aboveground and root biomass, regardless of the
environment. This contrasts with studies done in Ficus benjamina (L.),
Figure 1. The development of Euphorbia cotinifolia is aected
by the substrate and solar irradiation. A) Terminal
Shoot Elongation (TSE), in B) Growth Rate (GR), in
C) Robustness Index, in D) Biometric Proportion Index,
in E) Dickson Quality Index. The vertical lines above
the bars represent the standard error of the mean. LSD:
Least Signicant Dierence. Dierent letters on the
bars indicate signicant dierences between treatments
according to Tukey’s test (P≤0.05).
where changes in light drastically altered this ratio (Hao et al., 2013),
suggesting limited morphological plasticity in E. cotinifolia.
DQI increased with irradiation (maximum from 1.32 to 571
µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
); in that sense, Lin et al. (2019) conrmed that Pentas
lanceolata (Forssk.) plant quality improved under optimal light
conditions; supporting the use of DQI as an integral indicator of
vigor. The 62.12 % reduction in STC with low irradiation highlights
the vulnerability of this specie in suboptimal environments, like that
reported in Quercus rubra (L.) (Desrosiers et al., 2024).
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Aguilar and Hernández. Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(3): e254234
5-7 |
The dierences between STC and SHC, with marginal
advantages in SHC, could be related to greater thermal stability
and rainfall, factors that would positively modulate photochemical
eciency (Pomar & Barceló, 2007; Lin et al., 2019). Furthermore,
the superiority of the river sand with peat moss substrate suggests
that drainage and aeration are critical for root development under
high irradiation conditions, coinciding with observations in Lantana
camara (L.) (Nascimento et al., 2020).
Leaf color
Leaf color parameters were statistically dierent (P≤0.05) based
on environment, solar irradiation level and substrate type. Lower
values of B indicated darker leaves, lower H values indicated more red-
purple tones, and lower C values indicated more intense color (table
2). In the STC with river sand and peat moss, B, H and C parameters
showed negative correlation with solar irradiation. B values decreased
by 29.23 % from 80 to 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
. H parameter showed the most
dramatic response with a 66.76 % decrease. C parameter decreased
by 25.77 %. With forest soil and perlite substrate, parameters also
showed negative correlation, but their average values increased by
2.77, 2.20 and 3.99 % compared to river sand and peat moss.
In the SHC with river sand and peat moss, leaves exhibited better
red-purple color accentuation. B values decreased by 41.77 %, H
values decreased by 63.05 %, and C decreased by 25.33 %. With
forest soil and perlite, parameters also showed negative correlation
with average values that increased by 1.03, 10.38 and 0.44 %. To
produce ornamental plants, color is an important characteristic.
Table 2. Color attributes in leaves (dehydrated and ground) of Euphorbia cotinifolia, as a function of solar irradiation and substrate type.
SUB-HUMID TEMPERATE CLIMATE
River sand and peat moss Forest soil and perlite
Solar irradiation
(µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
)
B
(%)
H
(ºh)
C
B
(%)
H
(ºh)
C
80 50.53 c 90.32 e 50.43 d 50.67 b 90.55 e 53.11 c
240 43.18 b 73.87 d 44.08 cd 46.78 b 76.32 d 44.99 bc
347 39.09 c 56.55 c 41.23 bc 39.11 b 57.81 c 41.44 bc
394 38.11 b 50.36 b 40.54 b 39.99 a 51.13 b 43.67 b
571 35.76 a 30.02 a 37.43 a 36.00 a 32.12 a 39.41 a
Mean 41.33 60.22 42.74 42.51 61.58 44.52
CV (%) 6.99 4.51 6.12 6.74 6.58 7.48
LSD 3.97 3.90 3.42 4.03 5.31 4.79
SUBTROPICAL HIGHLAND CLIMATE
River sand and peat moss Forest soil and perlite
Solar irradiation
(µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
)
B
(%)
H
(ºh)
C
B
(%)
H
(ºh)
C
80 44.33 b 54.43 d 47.99 c 46.87 b 55.82 d 48.00 d
240 30.04 b 40.40 c 42.31 c 30.41 b 40.45 c 44.55 cd
347 27.92 b 37.87 bc 39.17 bc 28.66 b 39.54 b 41.32 bc
394 27.58 b 34.06 b 38.50 b 27.87 b 34.11 b 38.58 ab
571 25.81 a 20.11 a 35.83 a 26.08 a 22.44 a 35.99 a
Mean 31.13 37.37
40.76 31.97 38.47 41.68
CV (%) 6.80 7.67 7.53 8.59 9.05 6.78
LSD 5.07 4.03 3.95 5.99 4.83 3.60
B: brightness, H: hue, C: color saturation. CV: coecient of variation. LSD: minimum signicant dierence. Means with the same letter in a column are not signicantly dierent according to
Tukey´s test (P≤0.05).
The color spectrum is limited by the genetics of the species itself,
as is the case with Euphorbia pulcherrima (Willd. ex Klotzsch)
(Lozoya-Gloria et al., 2023). E. cotinifolia changes its leaf color
tones according to the environment where it grows, and the intensity
of solar irradiation perceived.
Temperature aects pigment accumulation, oering lighter
shades at high temperatures and darker shades at low temperatures
(Noda, 2018). The reddish or purple coloration is determined by
anthocyanins, pigments common in plants growing under conditions
of light stress, such as direct exposure to the sun. The pigments are
generated by their own electronic structure, which interacts with
sunlight to alter the wavelengths that are then reected by the plant
tissue. Colors result from a combination of residual wavelengths and
the perceived color depends on each observer (Zhao & Tao, 2015).
In Euphorbia hirta (L.) leaves exposed to more sunlight develop
a higher concentration of anthocyanins, which gives them a more
reddish hue compared to leaves growing in shade, which tend to be
greener (Gupta & Gupta, 2019); this situation was like the present
study. The nal color is determined by several factors that contribute
to the intensity and spectrum (Rosati & Simoneau, 2006). If the cell
pH is acidic the orange and red pigments are more stable; if slightly
acidic to neutral the pigments are purple and violet; if alkaline the
pigments are blue (Zhao & Tao, 2015). The substrate also inuences
leaf color; a higher phosphorus content in forest soil intensies the
reddish or purple tones, as opposed to sandy soils (Zhao & Tao, 2015;
Lozoya-Gloria et al., 2023).
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(3): e254234 July-September. ISSN 2477-9409.
6-7 |
Anthocyanins in leaves
E. cotinifolia plants in SHC accumulated 5.72 % more anthocyanins
in their leaves than those in STC. Plants grown in river sand and peat
moss accumulated 3.12 % more anthocyanins than those in forest soil
and perlite. At 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
, plants accumulated 7.76 times more
anthocyanins than at 80 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
(gure 2).
In the SHC, substrate dierences were less pronounced at dierent
irradiation levels. In both substrates and environments, anthocyanin
concentration increased in relation to solar irradiation, which indicated
that irradiation was a key factor in anthocyanin production. At 80 µmol.m
-
2
.s
-1
, anthocyanin production was low (0.42 mg.g
-1
) in predominantly
green leaves with slight red mottling. At 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
, production
reached 4.94 mg.g
-1
in purple-red leaves.
Figure 2. Concentration of total anthocyanins in leaves of
Euphorbia cotinifolia is inuenced by substrate type and
solar irradiation, in two environments. The vertical lines
above the bars represent the standard error of the mean.
LSD: Least Signicant Dierence. Dierent letters on the
bars indicate signicant dierences between treatments
according to Tukey’s test (P≤0.05).
At higher intensities of solar irradiation, there is a gradual
accumulation of anthocyanins and a decrease in chlorophyll production
(Pomar & Barceló, 2007). This may be due to an increased production
of photosynthates, since more sugar molecules are attached to the
anthocyanin, which aects its color and stability (Lozoya-Gloria
et al., 2023). It is also a protection mechanism against ultraviolet
radiation, excess light and defense against pathogens (Noda, 2018).
The anthocyanins protect chloroplasts from photoinhibition (Pomar
& Barceló, 2007).
The range of red-purple colors present in E. cotinifolia leaves is
determined by anthocyanins. Of these, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and
peonidin-3-O-glucoside are responsible for this coloration. These
avonoids are common in plants with red to purple hues; it is the most
common group of pigments in owers and the most studied (Chandler
& Brugliera, 2011). The intensity and quality of these avonoids are
inuenced by light and water; they belong to the phenylpropanoid class
and control chromaticity through their synthesis and glycosylation in
the cytosol, which is subsequently transported to the vacuoles (Rosati
& Simoneau, 2006; Noda, 2018).
It is likely that solar irradiation and the type of substrate favor the
presence of other anthocyanins such as pelargonidin (with orange to
red colors) and delphinidin (with purple and blue colors) (Rosati &
Simoneau, 2006; Zhao & Tao, 2015). Or even a mixture with other
avonoids such as avones and avonols, creating combinations that
provide greater color variation (Rosati & Simoneau, 2006; Noda,
2018). The implications of the research suggest the need to further
investigate anthocyanin biosynthesis to understand the molecular
mechanisms controlling pigmentation. The accentuation of the red-
purple color in leaves of E. cotinifolia, grown in subtropical highland
climate, at high intensities of solar irradiation and river sand with peat
moss as substrate, can reduce the costs of production of quality plants
and extract useful pigments for the pharmaceutical industry.
Conclusions
The plant quality of Euphorbia cotinifolia is higher when they
develop in a subtropical highland climate, at 571 µmol.m
-2
.s
-1
of solar
irradiation (30 % shading mesh) and river sand with peat is used as
substrate. They show a red-purple color in their foliage, due to the
high concentration of anthocyanins (4.94 mg.g
-1
). At 243 days after
rooting, plants grew 4.80 mm.day
-1
and elongated 32.98 cm; their
robustness index was 1.76 and Dickson’s 1.32.
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