Allergen contents in Alstroemeria can be reduced by breeding

The allergen content in Alstroemeria was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in order to investigate breeding possibilities for reducing the risk of contact dermatitis caused by Alstroemeria. The potentials of both cross breeding and mutagenesis were studied. The allergens (6-tuliposide A, tuliposide D and tulipalin A) were determined in leaves, stems, and flowers. 6-Tuliposide A was found in the highest amounts in all plant parts and tulipalin A was mainly present in the flowers. Environmental effects (season and growth conditions) on the allergen content were significant. For the concentration of allergens coefficients of variation generally were above 40% within populations of single species. Positive correlations for 6-tuliposide A between plant parts and between 6-tuliposide A and tulipalin A within leaves and stems were found. Tuliposide D was not correlated with the other allergens. Significant narrow sense heritabilities were found for total allergen content as well as for 6-tuliposide A and tuliposide D, but not for tulipalin A. The heritability was higher for total allergen content and tuliposide D as compared to 6-tuliposide A. Mutagenesis was able to reduce the content of 6-tuliposide A. Allergen production in Alstroemeria seems multigenically controlled.