Anthocyanins are widely distributed water-soluble pigments that not only give the fruit colorful appearances, but also are important sources of natural edible pigments. In recent years, the interest on anthocyanins of solanaceous vegetables is increasing. This paper summarized the structure of anthocyanins and its biosynthetic pathway, the structural genes and regulatory genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in solanaceous vegetables, as well as the environmental factors affecting the biosynthesis. This review may help clarify the synthesis and regulation mechanism of anthocyanins in solanaceous vegetables and make better use of anthocyanins for quality breeding of fruit colors.
Keywords: anthocyanins; biosynthesis; regulation; solanaceous vegetables.