Proanthocyanidins and Potential Precursors in Needles of Douglas Fir and in Cell Suspension Cultures Derived from Seedling Shoot Tissues

Abstract

MATERIALS AND METHODS Proanthocyanidins and their potential precursors have been analyzed by paper chromatography and Cma reversed phase columns with high perform-wnce liquid chromatography. Total proanthocyanidins on a dry weight basis in ceil suspension cultures derived from seedlngs of Douglas fir (Pseudo-tswga meaziesi,) were equal to or greater than those found in mature needles of randomly selected outdoor-grown trees. The major monomer and dimer were catechin and epicatechin-catechin, respectively. Although only procyanidins were detectable in cell suspension cultures, mature