Abstract:
The objective of the present investigation was to study the effects of hormonal signals
and stress on the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids production of Periwinkle cells
grown in vitro. The biosynthesis of these molecules is under control of a complex
hormonal interaction with a marked inhibiting action of auxins. Results showed that
suppressing auxins from the medium significantly stimulated alkaloid production by
cytokinines and ethylene. These hormones acted synergistically through independent
mechanisms. Jasmonate inducing effect on alkaloid production is intermediate
between that the ethylene which showed a strong effect and that of cytokinines with a
weak effect. Through a molecular approach the elements implicated in the hormonal
signal leading to the stimulation of alkaloid mechanism were identified