Production of diterpenoids by cultured cells from two chemotypes of Scoparia dulcis

Abstract

Callus and multiple shoot cultures from two chemotypes of Scoparia dulcis were established. A relatively small amount of scoparic acid A (SA) was produced, and the production of scopadulcic acid B (SDB) was strongly repressed in all callus tissues tested. On the other hand, the multiple shoots contained either SA or SDB and produced the same type of diterpene as that produced by the parent plants. These results suggest that SA is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of SDB and that the production of SDB is related to the differentiation of leaves.