Production of crocin by fruit callus culture of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis

Calli were induced from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoids Ellis for studyin g the production of yellow pigment named crocin. Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing 0.4 mu M naphthaleneacetic acid and 3% sucrose was good for callus growth. Kinetin in the range of 0-20 mu M did not have any signi ficant effect on callus growth. Ethephon, an ethylene releasing agent, inhi bited callus growth but had no effect on pigment production in the callus c ulture. High concentration (9%) of sucrose in the media had a significant e ffect on yellow pigment production although diminished callus growth. Yello w pigment production appeared earlier with half concentration than original or higher concentration of MS medium salt. The methanol extract from calli had a UV-VIS spectrum similar to that from fruits. The data suggested that yellow calli as well as gardenia fruits had the same pigment and appeared to be crocin.