Abstract
Tissue cultures originating from different organs i.e. leaves, leaf-stalks, ovaries,
anthers, and roots of Symphytum officinale were initiated under various growth conditions and subcultured several times to give
the first callus generation. From all these calli, whole plants could be regenerated
which again were used for the preparation of tissue cultures resulting in the formation
of the second callus generation.
The different calli and the regenerated plants were analyzed with respect to the fructan-synthesizing
capacity. Only calli derived from the leaves of the original plant synthesized fructan
whereas calli derived from ovaries, anthers, and roots, which are known to contain
large amounts of fructan, were not capable of synthesizing fructan. The regenerated
plants obtained from the first callus generation showed ability for fructan synthesis
only if the originating callus synthesized fructan. The calli of the second generation,
which were prepared from fructan-containing leaves and roots of regenerated plants,
showed the capacity for fructan formation. The calli of the second generation obtained
from leaves and roots of regenerated, fructan-free plants were not able to synthesize
this specific reserve polysaccharide. From these data it can be concluded that the
calli of the first generation prepared from roots, ovaries, and anthers have lost
their ability for fructan synthesis. Calli initiated from leaves and leaf-stalks preserved
the capacity for fructan formation even after many calli generations and regeneration
to entire plants. Different phytohormones used in the tissue cultures had only a slight
effect upon the fructan formation. An influence of light on fructan synthesis could
not be detected.
