HYDERABAD, INDIA
Osmania University
Anthocyanin synthesis during embryogenesis
in vitro
--P. Suprasanna, K. V. Rao and G.
M. Reddy
Callus cultures were established from immature
embryos of Deccan Hybrid Macca (DHM-1) on MS medium supplemented with 2
mg/l 2,4-D with a frequency of 38-40%. Callus was initiated within a week
of inoculation and after three weeks, was subcultured onto MS maintenance
media. The subcultured calli exhibited embryogenic and non-embryogenic
sectors. Embryogenic sectors were separated from non-embryogenic calli.
Upon transfer to MS regeneration media devoid of hormones, embryogenic
clumps showed purple anthocyanin synthesis, followed by differentiation
into embryoids. Spectral studies indicated that the purple pigment was
cyanidin-3-glucoside (0.197 OD units/mg tissue). Anthocyanin was retained
for 6-8 days after which embryoids became greenish in colour. DHM-1 genotype
generally exhibits anthocyanin in plant parts, however, the specific gene(s)
regulating the biosynthesis of anthocyanin are not clearly known. The present
study suggests that association of anthocyanin synthesis may be exploited
for studies on in vitro differentiation in maize.
Please Note: Notes submitted to the Maize Genetics Cooperation
Newsletter may be cited only with consent of the authors
Return to the MNL 64 On-Line Index
Return to the Maize Newsletter Index
Return to the MaizeGDB Homepage