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Title: TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE GROWTH, MORPHOGENESIS, AND SECONDARY METABOLISM RESPONSES FROM LAMIACEAE SPECIES IN VITRO

Author
item Tisserat, Brent
item Vaughn, Steven

Submitted to: Abstract of International Horticultural Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/17/2002
Publication Date: 8/17/2002
Citation: TISSERAT, B., VAUGHN, S.F. TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE GROWTH, MORPHOGENESIS, AND SECONDARY METABOLISM RESPONSES FROM LAMIACEAE SPECIES IN VITRO. XXVITH INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL CONGRESS. 2002. ABSTRACT P. 193-194.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Several Lamiaceae species (e.g., basil, oregano) respond poorly to the established plant tissue culture micropropagation techniques. This study was conducted to improve growth (fresh weight) and morphogenesis (leaves, shoots, and roots) responses from Lamiaceae species in vitro. Lamiaceae species were grown on various media containing several different growth regulators. In addition, different alternative novel plant tissue culture systems were also tested in order to increase biomass and shooting. A survey study with several species is presented testing a wide range of CO2 levels. Employment of ultra-high levels of CO2 (i.e., >3,000 uL CO2 Liter**-1) invariably promotes higher levels of growth and morphogenesis in Lamiaceae species (e.g., basil, catnip, spearmint, and others) compared to that obtained employing ambient air (~350 uL CO2 Liter**-1). Employment of a sterile hydroponics system, i.e., automated plant culture system (APCS), greatly enhanced Lamiaceae species biomass and shooting over that obtained employing an agar medium. Analysis of essential oil composition in spearmint cultures grown in various culture systems reveals that high secondary metabolite production is often associated with high growth and morphogenesis responses. This observation suggests that in vitro production of high levels of essential oils is possible. The culture systems presented in this study improve growth and morphogenesis and provide a biochemical study tool helpful in understanding how to increase secondary metabolite yields.