Growth substance requirements and major lipid constituents of tissue cultures of Euphorbia esula and E. cyparissias

Abstract

The root tissues of Euphorbia esula and E. cyparissias form callus on chemically defined medium. Both species require an exogenous supply of auxin for growth, but the appearance and color of the tissue and their responses to kinetin, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) are different. The tissue growth is more satisfactory with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) than with 2,4-D, IAA, or 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram). Gibberellic acid has no effect. The callus tissues of E. esula become intensely green under light but are not autotrophic.Triglycerides, palmitic acid, and β-sitosterol are the major lipid constituents of the callus tissue of E. esula. Chromatographic analysis reveals no significant differences in the composition of extracts from the non-green and green tissues. Long-chain aldehydes, alcohols, and triterpenes found in the plant are not detected in the cultures.