Taxol was originaly found in yew (Taxus sp.) but it also ocurrs in other species like hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.). We investigated production of taxol in suspension cultures of hazelnut following elicitation by aluminium chloride supplemented at 0, 25, 50 and 100 µM concentration. Aluminium elicitation has a significant effect decreasing cell growth and protein content but increasing production of taxol, total phenolics, anthocyanin and flavonoids. It also increases antioxidant potential and other antioxidant system components such as proline and enzymes like catalases and peroxidases. Additionally, aluminium increased hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content of cells. Apart from taxol production aluminium improved its release into the medium and total yield in comparison to controls. In general, for the increased taxol synthesis application of 50 and 100 µM of aluminium elicitor in cell culture provided acceptable results.

Taxol, Corylus avellana L., hazelnut, suspension cultures, elicitors, aluminium chloride

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia