PIGMENT PRODUCTION FROM IN-VITRO CULTURES OF ALKANNA-TINCTORIA TAUSCH

An in vitro culture of Alkanna tinctoria Tausch cells was set up in or der to investigate the possibility of producing alkannin, a red naphth oquinone naturally present in the root bark of this plant. Furthermore , an in vitro culture of callus-derived roots was established and the production of alkannin evaluated. In the different experimental condit ions investigated, differences in the production of alkannin derivativ es as well as in the type of pigments produced, were observed. The pot ential use of this technology is discussed.