| Abstract: | Stigma-like structures (TC stigmas) were produced in tissuecultures from stigma explants of Crocus sativus under definedconditions. MS medium supplemented with NAA (10 mg dm–3)+BA (1.0 mg dm–3) induced the optimum response. NAA wasfound to be an important addendum to achieve a good response.The TC stigma regeneration response as a function of explantage showed significant differences (except between stage 1 andstage 4). A culture temperature of 20 °C seems to be betterthan 25 °C with reference to all parameters. Crocin andpicrocrocin pigments, responsible for colour and bitter taste,respectively, were extracted, identified and quantified fromthe TC stigmas. Safranal was not detected in fresh samples. Key words: Crocus sativus, stigma-like structures, organ regeneration, crocin, picrocrocin, safranal |
