Effect of sugar and nitrogen on the production of anthocyanin in cultured carrot (Daucus carota) cells

Callus cultures of carrot, Nentes scarlet - 104 variety, were initiated on MS medium for anthocyanin production. Two anthocyanins, cayanidin-3-lathyroside and cyanidin-3-glucoside, PRESENT in the ratio of 3:1, were identified in the callus cultures. Eight sugars were tried as carbon source for the production of total anthocyanin. The sugars xylose and lactose, although they initiated growth of the green callus, did not initiate anthocyanin pigmentation. Fructose, galactose, and maltose produced less than 1.75% (dry weight basis) anthocyanin though there was growth of the pigmented callus. Glucose and sucrose produced 3.5%. It was observed that 7.5% sucrose in the medium produced maximum amount of anthocyanin (6.5%). Total nitrogen at 70 mM concentration and a 1:4 ratio of ammonium to nitrate yielded maximum cell growth and best anthocyanin production. Modifying the medium it was possible to enhance the production to 6-8%.