REGULATION OF LYCOPENE FORMATION IN CELL-SUSPENSION CULTURE OF VFNT TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON-ESCULENTUM) BY CPTA, GROWTH-REGULATORS, SUCROSE, AND TEMPERATURE

The onium compound 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine (CPTA) was use d to increase lycopene formation to levels approximating those in fiel d-or glasshouse-grown fruit, and then growth regulators, sucrose and t emperature were used to regulate lycopene accumulation. It was found t hat the native auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was substantially more effective than 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in promoting ly copene formation, sucrose inhibited lycopene formation (cell basis), a nd temperature produced a pattern similar to that observed in the fiel d with a temperature optimum between 18 and 26 degrees C. Suggestions for further improvements in technique are included.