Characterization of environmental stress-regulated anthocyanin production and growth of cranberry callus

Abstract: Cranberry callus was successfully induced from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait, Ericaceae) leaves by using Gamborg's B5 medium containing phytohormones at 25^oC in the dark. Anthocyanin-producing cranberry callus was obtained only under conditions of continuous light exposure. Red light and UV light exposure of the callus enhanced anthocyanin content by 41.3 and 29.3%, respectively. The light-dependent anthocyanin production in the callus was regulated by temperature. Anthocyanin content in the callus decreased 81.1% at 42^oC, 58.9% at 37^oC, 47.0% at 30^oC, and increased 10.4% at 4^oC, compared to the callus maintained at 25^oC after 48 hours of incubation at the given temperature. A temperature decrease of 10^oC from 25 to 15^oC resulted in a critical increase of the anthocyanin production in the callus, irrespective of differences in pH of culture medium. The growth of the callus cultured in medium at pH 7.0 was 6.2-fold higher than in the same medium at standard pH of 5.8.