Sucrose and light induced betalain biosynthesis in callus cultures of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

An attempt was made to substantiate the optimum sucrose level and light conditions for biosynthesis of betalain pigments (betaxanthins and betacyaninins) from callus cultures of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.). A sucrose concentration of 50 g/l in MS medium resulted in maximum response coefficient with earliest pigment initiation and intensification. Sucrose at 50 g/l resulted in significant increase in production of betacyanin and betaxanthin as compared to control. Under high sucrose concentration callus growth was significantly decreased. Continuous blue light was most effective in enhancing the betacyanin and betaxanthin content in the callus cultures. Under complete darkness there was significant decrease in pigment content but the callus growth was increased.