Flavonoid composition in frost-resistant Rhododendron cultivars grown in Poland

A relationship was found between flavonoid concentration in rhododendron (Rhododendron L.) leaves and their frost resistance. The flavonoid content in various taxons of rhododendrons bred in Poland was compared with the extent of injury caused by the action of sub-zero temperatures. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze flavonoids and their glycosides. The results suggest that flavonoid concentrations in rhododendron tissues can be a measure of their resistance to low temperatures and can be used as a criterion in breeding. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.