Occurrence of cadaverine in hairy roots of Brugmansia candida

The polyamine, cadaverine, was detected in transformed root cultures of Bru gmansia candida (syn. Datuira candida), a Solanaceae which produces the tro pane alkaloids scopolamine and hyoscyamine. To the best of our knowledge, t his is the first time that the existence of this uncommon polyamine has bee n detected in a Datura species. Cadaverine, however, could not be found in the whole plant. The occurrence of cadaverine in hairy roots could be a con sequence of either the transformation or a response to stress. Also, cadave rine could be participating in other secondary pathways rather than to the tropane alkaloids. The common polyamines, putrescine, spermidine and spermi ne were also observed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.