Cell and tissue culture studies in beta vulgaris L

Abstract

The presence of intensely colored hydrophilic nitrogenous betalain pigments, abundance of health-promoting compounds, growth-linked pigmentladen vacuoles in their cells and the possibility of quantitative regulation of pigment molecules have all made red beet cultured cells both an experimental model for studying cellular physiologies and a valuable source of various nutraceutical compounds. Compared with many other fruit/vegetable crops and sugar beets, studies targeted at developing in vitro regeneration protocols for varietal improvements and exploiting cell cultures for other biotechnological applications have not received much importance in red beet. With a focus on classic attempts made towards using cultured cells and organs for understanding growth, development and pigment biosynthesis- related physiologies, this chapter discusses aspects of newer technologies where cultured cells of Beta vulgaris may fi nd applications.