Ethylene production by carob (Ceratonia siliqua) callus cultures on varying media

Carob callus from hypocotyl segments produced ethylene in different amounts which were related to the composition of the medium and age of the callus. Both light and darkness stimulated high levels of ethylene production. No correlation was found between growth rate and ethylene production under dark conditions. In the light, a significant correlation was found, indicating that ethylene production and growth rate follow one another. Culture medium was the most important factor in controlling the growth rate and ethylene production. The highest values of ethylene production were obtained on media showing highest callus growth rate. These studies seem to indicate that most of the ethylene produced is a by-product of metabolic changes during carob callus development, though, under certain conditions, the initial evolution could regulate growth.