Genetic diversity in seed populations of Echinacea purpurea controls the capacity for regeneration, route of morphogenesis and phytochemical composition.
The production of new varieties and higher quality products from Echinacea spp. requires a greater understanding of the regulation of plant growth and the production of specific phytometabolites. The current studies were designed to generate elite varieties of Echinacea purpurea based on regeneration efficiency and chemical profile. Clonal propagation of seedling-derived regenerants and screening for antioxidant potential and concentrations of caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cichoric acid, cynarin, and echinacoside identified 58 unique germplasm lines. Chemical profiles varied significantly among germplasm lines but were consistent within clones of each line. In temporary immersion bioreactors, exogenous application of the auxin indolebutyric acid significantly increased the cichoric acid and caftaric acid concentration in the root tissues. Together, these demonstrate the potential for selective breeding of elite, highly regenerative, chemically superior, clonally propagated varieties from the naturally occurring genetic variability in the seed populations of E. purpurea.
Department of Chemistry, I. K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, V1V 1V7.
Susan J
SJ
Murch
Sriyani E
SE
Peiris
Wendy L
WL
Shi
S M A
SM
Zobayed
Praveen K
PK
Saxena
D002109:Caffeic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D002934:Cinnamates / Q000378:metabolism; D020900:Echinacea / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000378:metabolism; D014644:Genetic Variation; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D009024:Morphogenesis; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators / Q000494:pharmacology; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration; D036226:Seedlings / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013386:Succinates / Q000378:metabolism
D002109:Caffeic Acids; D002934:Cinnamates; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D007211:Indoles; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; D013386:Succinates; C014612:indolebutyric acid; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid; C100257:cynarine; C100435:chicoric acid