Molecular and biochemical rhythms in dihydroflavonol 4-reductase- mediated regulation of leucoanthocyanidin biosynthesis in Carthamus tinctorius L

•A functional characterization platform for putative Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase in Carthamus tinctorius L. was presented.•CtCYP45082C1 was able to catalyze Cis-3,4-leucopelargonidin and dihydromyricetin-dependent leucoanthocyanidin activities.•The expression of CtCYP45082C1 and other structural genes showed susceptibility against under variable stress conditions.•Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (CtCYP45082C1) positively regulates leucoanthocyanidin biosynthesis in Carthamus tinctorius