Transformation and agrotechnology strategies for improved levels of secondary metabolite in Cichorium intybus L

Abstract

The effect of organic manure and chemical fertilizers (N, P, K and S) on growth and the esculin content in C. intybus were investigated.At all phenological stages (rosette, bolting, pre-flowering, flowering and post-flowering) plants were used to conduct growth related studies (dry wt of plants, leaf area, chlorophyll content, protein content, NR and ATP Sulphurylase activity and esculin content etc). Plants applied with split dose of nitrogen and sulphur was proved best in comparison of other treatment in terms of biomass, and esculin yield.In this protocol for micropropagation and enhancing the yield of esculin is proposed. Composition of regeneration medium and selection of suitable newlineexplants was optimized for best regeneration and transformation efficiencies.Leaf exhibited better morphogenic potential as compared to other explants on MS medium fortified with IAA (0.5 mgl-1) + Kn (1.0 mg l-1). Growth and morphology of plantlets were studied to substantiate the efficiency of the findings.Cultured cells and tissues have been found to accumulate secondary metabolites in excess than in the natural environment.The esculin content was more in adc transformed plants in comparison to non transformed and in vivo plants. newline