Solasodine production in rapidly proliferating tissue cultures of Solanum laciniatum ait

Abstract

Callus and suspension cultures, established from seedling and leaf explants of Solanum laciniatum Ait were analysed for solasodine using a spectrophotometric assay. Solasodine concentration in both types of culture ranged from 0.5 - 1.0 mg/g dry wt., with a small number of callus explants containing higher concentrations. There was no overall fall in concentration as a result of serial subculture, and in suspension cultures the level remained constant throughout a single passage. Solasodine concentration was enhanced by the induction of organogenesis in both primary leaf explants and callus. ABA, added at 0.04 mg 1(-1), increased solasodine yield in callus cultures whilst CEPA, at concentrations of 10 mg 1(-1) and higher, inhibited production. Dark grown callus contained significantly more solasodine than light grown.