Somatic Embryogenesis and Rhizogenesis of Tissue Cultures of Two Genotypes of Papaver somniferum: Relationships to Alkaloids Production

Abstract

Papaver somniferum L. tissue cultures, issued from various explants (cotyledons, hypocotyls, roots) derived from plantlets belonging to two genotypes, were established on LS solid medium containing growth regulators (NAA, Kin) in various combinations. Hypocotyls and roots were found to be interesting explants to obtain cellular development. Many roots developed on calli growing on a medium containing NAA (1 mg/l) + Kin (0.1 mg/l) for the PS genotype while somatic proembryos redifferentiated on calli issued from PS 1639 genotype. The same growth substance combination was the most favourable for the production of morphinan alkaloids and papaverine: up to 10 × 10^-3% DW in roots redifferentiated from PS calluses.