Induction of Pigmented Callus from Zea mays L. (White Corn) Root Tip Explants

To date, there have been no reports of successful in vitro elicitation of anthocyanin pigments in purple or white corn. Therefore, this study aimed to induce accumulation of anthocyanin in in vitro white corn callus cultures. Root tips of in vitro sprouts were used as explants for callus induction on two basal media, N6 and MS, with the addition of 2,4-D alone or in combination with NAA. Callus fresh weight (FW) was measured after 7 and 14 days of culture. The anthocyanin content of the induced callus was then analysed by pH differential method. The results showed that after 14 days of culture, the highest FW of callus on MS media reached 0,102 ± 0,032 g FW, while on N6 media 0,101 ± 0,036 g of FW. At 4 weeks after culture pigmented parts appeared in the callus tissue. Measuring anthocyanin content using a spectrophotometer confirmed that the highest accumulation reached 10,07 ± 4,38 mg/g FW was obtained from N6 media supplemented with 2 mg/l 2,4-D + 0,05 mg/l NAA. The results of this study validate that anthocyanin pigments can also be synthesized in In vitro callus of non-purple corn in an appropriate condition.