Influence of auxins on organogenesis and ginsenoside production in Panax ginseng calluses

Abstract

Panax ginseng calluses were cultured for 5 weeks on solid MS medium supplemented with kinetin 0.46 mM (0.1 mg l⁻¹) and 2 mg l⁻¹ of 2,4-D (9.05 mM), IBA (9.98 mM) or NAA (10.74 mM). In the conditions studied, 2,4-D inhibited the organogenic capacity of the calluses, whereas IBA or NAA increased this capacity. IBA induced the formation of a high number of buds and roots, but the roots were thin and necrotized. Calluses grown with NAA produced fewer buds and roots than those grown in IBA medium, but the roots were thick and showed good growth. The highest ginsenoside content was found in root forming calluses grown in the presence of NAA.

In calluses forming roots or buds, 2,4-D, NAA and especially IBA increased the Rb group of ginsenosides rather than that of the Rg group.