In vitro culture of Montanoa tomentosa for the production of diterpenic acids

Following a solid phase extraction, GC-MS and GC-FID procedures, the produc tion of three kaurane derivatives (grandiflorenic, kaurenoic and monoginoic acids) was detected in callus and cell suspension batch cultures of Montan oa tomentosa. From different hormonal combinations, the addition of 0.5 mg 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid l(-1) + 2 mg kinetin l(-1) increased the acc umulation of total kaurenoids in 6 months old calluses to 2.1 mg g(-1) dry weight and in cell suspensions cultures up to 0.76 mg g(-1) dry weight. Mon oginoic acid, which has not been detected before in leaves of wild plants, accumulated in both in vitro systems.