In vitro cultures of medicinal of plants - IX

In vitro cultures of medicinal plants - IX Elicitation is a method using protective mechanisms of plants to increase the production of secondary metabolites in plants and cultures in vitro. The effect of three concentrations of the abiotic elicitor - cerium (Ce3+ ) on the flavonolignan production by Silybum marianum callus and suspension culture was examined. The culture was cultivated on a Murashige-Skoog medium with the addition of 10 mg/l of α-naphthylacetic acid. The periods of application of the elicitor were 6; 12; 24; 48; 72; and 168 hours. The content of flavonolignans in callus and suspension culture was detected by HPLC. The maximal enhancement of the flavonolignan content (0,1%) was proved after 72-hour action of Ce3+ in the concentration of c2 = 4,0572 · 10-4 mol/l in callus cultures. Contrary to callus cultures, the production of flavonolignans in suspension cultures was influenced by Ce3+ only in minimal extent. Furthermore, an increase of the flavonoid taxifolin content was detected after the elicitation of various concentrations of Ce3+ in Silybum marianum callus and suspension cultures