*4.3. Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Pigments*

The contents of chlorophyll (Chl *a*, Chl *b*, and total Chl) and carotenoids was analyzed using the spectrophotometric method. Samples of 150 mg were extracted using 99% methanol and incubated in dark room (4 ◦C for 24 h). The absorbance of samples was read at 665.2 nm, 652.4 nm, and 470 nm, respectively, for Chl *a*, Chl *b*, and carotenoids in a spectrophotometer (7315 Spectrophotometer, Jenway, Staffordshire, UK). Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were calculated as described by Lichtenthaler et al. [56].

Chl *a* = 16.75*A*665.2 − 9.16*A*652.4.

Chl *b* = 34.09*A*652.4 − 15.28*A*665.2. Carotenoids = (1000*A*<sup>470</sup> − 1.63Chl *a* − 104.96Chl *b*)/221.
