The influence of phytohormones on growth,organ differentiation and fructan production in callus of Symphytum officinale L.

Summary Callus derived from Symphytum officinale L. regenerants was cultured in the presence of various phytohormones. The growth rate of callus was stimulated by all phytohormones at various concentrations. With 1-naphthaleneacetic acid no organ differentiation could be observed. With indole-3-butyric acid at low concentrations only roots were formed, whereas 6-benzylaminopurine, kinetin and zeatin at various concentrations induced either root or shoot formation or the simultaneous regeneration of both. Minor amounts of fructans were formed at high 6-benzylaminopurine-, zeatin- and at all indole-3-acetic acid-concentrations. The concentration of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid had no influence on the fructan content. Highest rates of fructan synthesis occurred at low zeatin-concentrations up to 1.5 mg/l. Only zeatin at all concentrations induced the synthesis of polyfructans, whereas appreciable amounts of oligofructans were formed under the influence of all other phytohormones.Abbreviations NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid - IBA indole-3-butyric acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - IAA indole-3-acetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - DP degree of polymerisation - GLC gas liquid chromatography - TLC thin layer chromatography