Growth of peanut cells in suspension cultures treated with aluminium

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the growth of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. 7920B-3B) cells in suspension cultures treated with different levels of aluminium. The cultures derived from leaf-callus were grown at an initial pH of 4.0 in reduced strength of L-6 liquid medium containing 4.0 μM 2,4–D + 2.5 μM kinetin and different aluminium concentrations 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 μM. Cell growth and morphological changes were monitored at the end of the culture period. Aluminium uptake was indirectly monitored on alternate days by measuring the amount remaining in the media. When observed under the microscope the aluminium-treated cell clumps were fewer and smaller sized. The results obtained showed that cell growth was reduced drastically by Al. However, cultures treated with 200 μM Al could achieve 90% relative growth when compared to the control if the culture period was extended to more than two weeks. Growth of cultures containing 400 μM Al remained low throughout the experiment. The levels of both monomeric and total aluminium remaining in the media decreased as cell growth progressed. A marked decrease was observed after six days of culture. The result indicated that the maximum effects of aluminium-toxicity could occur during the initial six days of culture.