Effect of Nitrogen Source on Cell Growth and Anthocyanin Production in Callus and Cell Suspension Culture of 'Sheridan' Grapes

To establish in vitro mass production system of grape anthocyanin pigments through callus and cell suspension culture, the effects of nitrogen amount and the ratio of $NO_3^-$/$NH_4^+$ in the medium on cell growth and anthocyanin production were investigated. Total nitrogen amount and the ratio of $NO_3^-$/$NH_4^+$ in the medium strongly affected anthocyanin production and cell growth. When $NH_4^+$ was fixed, the cell growth was promoted by 50 mM total nitrogen (20 mM $NO_3^-$ : 30 mM $NH_4^+$ ) than other nitrogen combinations, and was strongly inhibited when $NO_3^-$ was lacking (0 mM $NO_3^-$ : 60 mM $NH_4^+$ ) while anthocyanin production was increased. When $NO_3^-$ was fixed, the cell growth was promoted by 70 mM total nitrogen (40 mM $NO_3^-$ : 30 mM $NH_4^+$) than other nitrogen combinations, and was strongly inhibited when $NO_3^-$ was lacking (0 mM $NO_3^-$ : 60 mM $NH_4^+$ ) while anthocyanin production was increased. Cell growth was gradually increased by all nitrogen combinations, but anthocyanin production reached its peak on day 4 in culture. Anthocyanin content increased with decreasing cell density. Sucrose was rapidly hydrolyzed to fructose and glucose within 4 days. Glucose and fructose concentrations in the medium increased and peaked at the 4th day. The anthocyanin content of $NH_4^+$-free 2% sucrose media was 2 times (200 $\mu\textrm{g}$/g) higher than that of 1% sucrose. When $NO_3^-$ was lacking, the highest anthocyanin production was observed at 4% sucrose after 12 days of culture, and increased along with the sucrose concentration.