Effects of Nano Elicitors on Callus Induction and Mucilage Production in Tissue Culture of Linum usitatissimum L.

Background: Tissue culture is a new approach for production of secondary metabolites with many advantages over conventional methods. Elicitors such as nano particles are molecules that can stimulate the production of secondary metabolites. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of some nano particles on mucilage production in Linum usitatissimum under tissue culture conditions. Methods: Concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/L of nano-ZnO, nano-SiO2 and nano-Al2O3 were selected as elicitor treatments. The cultures incubated in growth room at 25 ± 1 oC with 16/8 h illumination periods. After 2 weeks of incubation callus fresh weight, percentage of mucilage and mucilage yield were recorded. Results: The results indicated the positive effect of low dosage of nano elicitors on callus induction and mucilage production. Furthermore, the callus induction is tightly dependent to the presence of auxin and cytokinin, which stimulate both cell division and cell elongation. Conclusion: Generally, the type and concentration of nano elicitors had significant effects on the mucilage content.