USING BIOTEST TO ESTIMATE TAXOL PRODUCTION FROM CELL SUSPENSION CULTURE OF TAXUS WALLICHIANA ZUCC. IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF CULTURE

Abstract

Calli and cell suspension cultures were initiated from Lam Dong Yew (Taxus wallichiana Zucc.) young stem explants, on B5 medium supplemented with 2,4-D and kinetin at appropriate concentrations. Taxol content was estimated by using a root primordium biotest with hypocotyl cuttings of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. (green bean). Results showed that taxol production was influenced by different conditions of culture, such as culture time, temperature, medium osmotic pressure or methyl jasmonate... The growth of calli were inhibited if they were lighted or maintained for a long time on medium culture but taxol synthesis was stimulated. Phenylalanine (as organic precusor), methyl jasmonate (as biotic elicitor) as well as a high osmotic pressure induced taxol accumulation.