EVIDENCE THAT BLUE-LIGHT INDUCES BETALAIN PIGMENTATION IN PORTULACA-CALLAS

The wavelength range that activates betalain pigmentation has been stu died following selection of light inducible betalain producing callus lines originating from Portulaca sp. 'Jewel' seedlings. Light sources with different wavelengths were used to irradiate the callus, resultin g in blue light being effective in inducing betalain pigmentation. In addition, when UV light was combined with blue light, some calluses fr om this cell line showed high production of the pigment. This is a fir st report that betalain pigmentation in callus was induced by blue and blue/UV lights.