Effect of gamma radiation on gentiopicroside production in Gentiana kurroo Royle in vitro cultures

Gentiopicroside (GPD) is one of the vital bioactive molecules present in the rhizomes, roots and aerial parts of Gentiana kurroo Royle. In this study, callus and in vitro shoots cultures of G. kurroo were treated with different doses of gamma radiation to assess its effect on the concentration of GPD. The callus was established on MS media fortified with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and exposed to variable radiation doses (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 Gy 60Co gamma rays). Similarly, in vitro shoots raised in MS media supplemented with 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and IAA were irradiated at (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 Gy 60Co gamma rays). In vitro cell growth and GPD content were assessed during M1V1, M1V2, M1V3, and M1V4 (Mutation and Vegetative) generations. The lethal dose (LD50) for both callus and shoots were observed at 35 Gy. The results revealed that low radiation doses favored growth and showed increased GPD content in the callus cultures during M1V1 generation, but both parameters were reduced in the M1V2, M1V3 and M1V4 generations. However, shoots irradiated at low doses boosted the growth and GPD level during M1V2, M1V3 and M1V4 generations. This is the first report that used gamma radiation to show the effect of GPD elicitation in the genus Gentiana. [Display omitted] •GPD was elicited with gamma radiation for the first time in G. kurroo.•Low doses of gamma radiation enhanced GPD synthesis in G. kurroo cultures.•10 Gy increased the biomass and GPD level of callus in the M1V1 generation.•10 Gy enhanced auxiliary shoots, biomass and GPD levels in all generations of shoots.