In Vitro Culture studies of Bixa orellana L: II- Bixin accumulation in root and hypocotyl derived callus

Root and hypocotyl derived calli of Bixa orellana L., cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/l 2-iP and 0.05 mg/l NAA showed many localized area having orange pigmentation. The pigments were confirmed to be bixin after spectrophotometric analysis. After 2 passages of subculture the pigment accumulation decreased. No further continuation of bixin biosynthesis could be induced even after incorporation of various carotenoid precursor viz. Geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (50-200 ugl/l GGPP), Mevalonic Acid (50-200 mg/l MA), Gibberellic Acid (0.1- 1 mg/l GA) or carotenoid biosynthesis cofactor Manganese (10-40 mg/l Mn) into the callusing medium. However, GGPP and MA did enhance the accumulated bixin content in the first month.