Co-cultivation of plant cells as a technique for the elicitation of secondary metabolite production

Cells of Mikania glomerata, Cephaelis ipecacuanha and Maytenus aquifolia we re co-cultured in a two-phase system using filter paper as a solid support. The species were co-cultured in all possible paired combinations. Interact ion between Mikania and Maytenus cells resulted in increased biomass produc tion of Maytenus cells, but the friedelin content was reduced. Co-cultivati on of Cephaelis and Mikania cells enhanced coumarin content, but inhibited the growth of Mikania cells. However, yield of emetine as well as Cephaelis biomass accumulation were positively stimulated by the co-cultivation. Res ults indicate a possible occurrence of allelopathy in such a system.