Increasing Flavonoid Compounds Through The Use Of Elicitors In Callus Culture Catharanthus Roseus L.

Catharanthus roseus L., or periwinkle has attracted widespread attention because of its richness in bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids which are beneficial for health. Therefore, fast and effective propagation techniques are needed to obtain secondary metabolites in this plant. The aim of the research is to study the effect of Elicitor Cu2+ application on the morphology of Catharanthus callus and to determine the best concentration of Elicitor Cu2+ in increasing the content of flavonoid compounds in Catharanthus. Callus culture research was carried out at the Plant Reproduction Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Teaching Industry Building, Department of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, and analysis of flavonoid compounds was carried out at the Pharmacognosy-Phytochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar. This research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four Cu2+ concentration levels, namely 0 ppm, 4 ppm, 6 ppm, and 8 ppm with three repetitions. Each experimental unit consists of 3 culture bottles. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the 5% Tukey test. The research results showed that the addition of 4-8 ppm Cu2+ elicitor to the callus growth medium was not toxic to the callus, so the callus cells were still actively dividing as indicated by the callus being compact and greenish-yellow in color. The addition of Cu2+ elicitor with a concentration of 6 ppm was able to increase the content of flavonoid compounds in Catharanthus roseus callus culture. The use of Cu2+ elicitors has the potential to be developed to produce secondary compounds in medicinal plants.