Effect of concentration and source of carbohydrate on in vitro production of anthocyanin in apple

In vitro culture of plant cells is an ideal method for commercial production of large amounts of several important secondary metabolites. There are some wild apples (Malus sp.) native to Central Asia and Siberia that can produce anthocyanin in their various organs even in vitro and contain compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant activity. There are numerous factors affecting anthocyanin production in in vitro condition. The aim of this study was to determine the best source and optimum concentration of carbohydrates including sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose and mannitol to produce anthocyanin in callus culture of an in vitro grown anthocyanin producing wild apple. The results showed that the mannitol concentration of 3% plus 3% sucrose was the most effective carbohydrate treatment for anthocyanin production. Increasing mannitol concentration to more than 3% resulted in reduced anthocyanin production. Increasing mannitol concentration, decreased callus growth index and callus fresh weight; while, callus dry weight increased. The highest anthocyanin production and the lowest callus growth index were observed in 6% among the other sucrose concentrations. Glucose, fructose and maltose had weaker effects on anthocyanin content.