Abstract

The growth characteristics of Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum sanctum L. andOcimum gratissimum L. cell suspension cultures treated with elicitors, methyl jasmonate and chitosan individually and in combination were studied. Methyl jasmonate and chitosan were found to enhance accumulated cell biomass when used individually, but when administered in combination there was no significant enhancement of cell biomass. Reduction in cell growth was not observed in combined elicitor treatments. Of the two elicitors, methyl jasmonate was found to strongly influence cell growth; 25 µM of methyl jasmonate accumulated highest biomass at 12 h for O. basilicum and 48 h for O. sanctum, while 50 µM of methyl jasmonate at 8 h was found to be optimal to obtain maximal enhancement of biomass for O. gratissimum. Moreover, chitosan at 200 mg/L (24 h) was found to be optimal forO. basilicum and 50 mg/L at 24 h for both O. sanctum and O. gratissimum. Our study demonstrates that elicitors such as methyl jasmonate and chitosan could effectively enhance cell biomass in lesser time and hence can be used for effective induction of phytochemicals in O. basilicum L., O. sanctum L. and O. gratissimum L.

Key words: Cell suspension, elicitation, methyl jasmonate, chitosan, Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum gratissimum L.