Abstract
Six groups of untransformed and hairy root cultures of Catharunthus roseus (L.) G. Don were established. Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains: ATCC 15834, LBA 9403, and TR 105 were used for infection of the 3-week old rooted plantlets of C. roseus. The highest contents of examined indole alkaloids were found in: roots of intact plants - yohimbine and serpentine; in hairy roots - catharanthine. Vinblastine and ajmalicine were detected in untransformed roots of plants regenerated in vitro, and transferred to the soil for 5 months.
Keywords
root cultures; indole alkaloids; Catharanthus roseus; Agrobacterium rhizogenes