BIOMASS AND VALUABLE METABOLITES DYNAMIC ACCUMULATION IN STRAWBERRY CALLUS CULTURES

Strawberry is one of the most commonly cultivated and consumed plant, due to its organoleptic properties and nutritional values, exerting multiple beneficial health effects. In this study, two distinct strawberry callus lines obtained in different lighting conditions were characterized. The biotechnological potential of these cultures can be demonstrated by biomass and secondary metabolites accumulation. For this reason, growth rate, cellular morphology and viability were assessed. For metabolic potential evaluation, biochemical analyses of total phenolic and flavonoid content, anthocyanin pigments concentrations and antioxidant capacity were performed. The red callus line displayed higher growth rate, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than the white line. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were present only in the red line. The biomass and these metabolites accumulation varied between subcultures, but were maintained at a high rate, being superior to values reported in planta. Our results show that both callus cultures lines were highly proliferative and the red one being a source of valuable bioactive secondary metabolites, with high antioxidant activity.