Optimization of Precursor and Elicitor Utilization in Batch Cultures of Astragalus trojanus Stev.

Abstract

Elicitor and precursor applications are commonly used to induce secondary metabolism in plant cell cultures. In this study, methyljasmonate, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and pectin were used as elicitors and ?-sitosterol was used as a precursor in batch cultures ofAstragalus trojanus in order to trigger astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol productions. Growth parameters (fresh and dry weights anddry weight percentages) of batch cultures were also evaluated in order to understand the effects of elicitors and precursor on primarymetabolism. All elicitors and precursor used in this study triggered metabolite production at different stages of culture period. Thehighest astragaloside IV accumulation (0.9435 µg/mg) was detected in medium supplemented with 50 µM methyl jasmonate at the 14thday of culture period, whereas the highest cycloastragenol concentration (0.3626 µg/mg) was found in medium supplemented with 50µM jasmonic acid at the 28th day of culture period. Large scale cultivation was also performed and 0.3759 µg/mg astragaloside IV was detected in medium supplemented with 50 µM methyl jasmonate at the 14th day.