Alkaloid production in Catharanthus roseus cell cultures : XII. Biosynthetic capacity of callus from original explants and regenerated shoots.

Callus derived from hypocotyls of periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, responded to culture on nutrient media supplementedwith IAA, BA, and zeatin with shoot formation at low frequencies. However, shoot regenerating callus could be very successfully propagated and subcultured. Alkaloid profiles of callus derived from the original explants (hypocotyls) as well as callus derived from regenerated shoots were almost identical. Subcultures of old callus (initiated in 1978) failed completely to grow shoots. In programs for long-term preservation of alkaloid producing cell lines by regeneration and storage of shoots, selection for ability to form shoots would have to precede selection for alkaloid production.