Secondary Metabolites in Leaves of Purple-leaf Plum and Red-leaf Peach

Contents of secondary metabolites, such as anthocyanins, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and soluble sugars, as well as the POD and PAL activities in the leaves of purple-leaf plum and red-leaf peach during growing stages were determined. The results showed that the changes in the contents of anthocyanins, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars, as well as the anthocyanins/chlorophyll ratio, of both varieties were characterized by a decline-rise-decline pattern. The anthocyanin content peaked in September and April. Whereas, the activities of POD and PAL decreased initially and followed by an increase. The anthocyanin content and POD and PAL activities significantly correlated to the soluble sugar content in the leaves. However, no significant correlation between chlorophyll or flavonoids and the enzymatic activities was observed.