Effect of Calotropis latex on laticifers differentiation in callus cultures of Calotropis procera

Abstract

Laticifers differentiation in callus cultures of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) as affected by own latex and its fractions incorporated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium is described. Callus cultures have been maintained on MS medium with 2.3 μM 6-furfurylaminopurine (FAP) and 3.0 μM 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA). Marked increase in laticifers differentiation (from 10.1 to 28.4 %) was observed on this medium supplemented with 1 % (v/v) of latex. Latex fractions containing proteins + complex polysaccharides or inorganic salts also increased laticifers differentiation (by 21.8 % and 24.1 %, respectively). Other fractions (free amino acid + saccharides, phenols and terpenes + sterols) had no marked effect on laticifers differentiation while alkaloid fraction inhibited it. Effect of latex on laticifers differentiation was much more profound than the reported optimal concentration of plant growth regulators (4.6 μM FAP + 1 μM IAA).