USE OF TISSUE CULTURE IN THE PRODUCTION OF SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM CHICORY (Cichorium intybus) PLANT

Abstract

The most relevant results of this research study may be summarized as follows: • Clorox 10 % for 10 minutes was the best sterilant for chicory seed, before in vitro germination. • Half-strength MS medium was the best germination medium for chicory seeds to grow strong seedlings (leaf length, width, and number/seedling) as an aseptic source for leaf explants used later on to induce callus. • NAA at 3 mg/l plus IBA at 2 mg/l successfully produced desirable yellow friable callus from chicory leaf explant. • NAA at 3 mg/l plus IBA at 2 mg/l under dark condition was the superior treatment for promotion of callus fresh and dry weights, moreover it gave the highest values for phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity. • NAA at 5 mg/l plus IBA at 2 mg/l gave the highest values for free amino acids, reducing sugars and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activity, but it gave the lowest values for total soluble proteins. • NAA at 2 mg/l was the superior treatment that gave the highest values for total phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Moreover, it gave the highest values for Guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD) enzyme activity.