Effects of Sucrose level and Nitrogen Source on Fresh Weight and Anthocyanin Production in Cell Suspension Culture of 'Sheridan' Grape (Vitis spp.)

To establish an in vitro mass production system of grape anthocyanin pigments through callus and cell suspension culture, the effects of nitrogen source and sucrose on fresh weight and anthocyanin production in cell suspension culture of 'Sheridan' grape level were studied. When the medium was devoid of $NO_3^-$, cell fresh weight was either remained stable (1% sucrose) or slightly decreased with culture time (2,3, and 4% sucrose). When $NH_4^-$ was lacking, 3% sucrose was most favorable for cell growth. When $NH_4^-$ was supplied as N source, the anthocyanin content of 2% sucrose containing medium was maintained 2 times higher than other levels till day 8 in culture, then that of 3 and 4% sucrose which peaked at day 12 thereafter. The anthocyanin content was low than $NO_3^-$-free media. Total anthocyanin content in $NH_4^-$-free medium was just about a half of that of $NH_4^+$ medium. Anthocyanin production of 2% sucrose in $NH_4^+$ medium was maintained about 3-fold till day 8, then decreased thereafter. In $NH_4^+$ medium, pH decreased gradually with final pH of 3.5 to 4.0, while pH in $NH_4^+$-free medium increased with final pH of 6.5 to 7.5.