Trees and Autumn 4 (4/6)

The question arises why plants lose their sugars to create pigments at a time when photosynthesis is reduced anyway? There is a few evidence that anthocyanins play the role of a “sunscreen” for the residual chlorophyll in the leaves. In the summer months, strong sunlight puts at risk plants that can quickly consume their chlorophyll without being able to catch up with the synthesis of new quantities. Pigmentation creates a shield that keeps chlorophyll for longer to allow the plant to extract more of its required substances. It is also thought that plants synthesize anthocyanins to protect themselves from insects. For example, much of the insects take the red color as a sign of high toxicity, and this prevents them from putting their eggs on the red-colored leaves.