Organization and Alkaloid Production in Tissue Cultures of Hyoscyamus niger

Abstract

Callus and cell suspension cultures were established from Hyoscyamus niger seedlings and their growth requirements investigated. Stock suspensions were more aggregated in the earlier passages but became finer as the cultures were serially sub-cultured. On transfer to auxin-free medium, the cultures formed roots and shoots were rarely noted. Callus initiated from different parts of the seedlings showed no differences in alkaloid levels. Alkaloid contents were slightly increased on transfer to auxin-free medium. Both alkaloid content and composition changed during serial propagation. Different parts of the intact plant were also analysed for alkaloids.