Formation of L-canavanine in in vitro cultures of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.

In vitro tissue cultures of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) D.C. derived from hypocotyl have been obtained. They were found to accumulate L-canavanine depending on the medium where they were grown. Addition of polyethylenglycol (4%) to the culture medium led to a reduced accumulation of l-canavanine and an increase in the amino acids and the quaternary ammonium compounds contents.