Effect of abiotic elicitors on anthocyanin production in berry cell suspensions.

Berry species are important sources of polyphenols with antioxidant properties, that can contribute to the prevention of several diseases. Enzymatic pathways leading to the synthesis of these phytochemicals are inducible by abiotic stress that can qualitatively and quantitatively change the cellular content of these bioactive compounds. The main focus of this study was to determine the in vitro conditions affecting anthocyanins synthesis in cell suspension cultures of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo L.). We used as elicitors: temperature, light (blue or red spectra) and changes of medium composition, i.e. increased nitrogen concentration. Anthocyanin production was significantly increased only by elicitation with light, either blue or red spectra, in blackberry and strawberry-tree cultures, and particularly red light in strawberry. In red raspberry cultures anthocyanin accumulation was not affected by any elicitor.