Carotenoids of Telial Galls of Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Lk.

Abstract

In an investigation of the pigments of the telial galls of the common rust fungus Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Lk. β- and γ-carotenes were shown to be the only carotenoids present, with the γ-isomer predominating. The identification of γ-carotene was based on its more characteristic properties, behavior on an adsorbent, and its absorption spectra. Neither free nor esterified xanthophylls were present, and only traces of chlorophyll. The leaves of the juniper, besides containing chlorophyll, showed the presence of α-, β- and γ-carotene.