Optimizing Hairy Root Culture Media Using Salts and Vitamin Modifications in Corylus avellana L.

Paclitaxel (taxol) has been recognized as a very effective anti-cancer drug. Today, hazelnuts, as one of the natural sources of this medicinal compound, have been heeded more than before. Optimizing culture conditions to promote hairy root growth is an important step towards the production of medicinal metabolites. In this study, we developed an efficient culture medium to increase the production of hazelnut hairy roots. To achieve this aim, different intensities (full,1/2 and 1/4) of WPM, SH, NRM, and DKW media, and the replacement of vitamins with the B5 medium vitamins were evaluated. We found that 1/4 WPM + vit B5 increased hairy roots growth in solid nursery medium and 1/4 SH + vit B5 was the effective media for hairy roots development in liquid culture media. Appling 100 mg l-1 ascorbic acid and citric acid reduced the browning of hairy roots and improved their growth rate. The paclitaxel production in hairy roots was assured by using HPLC.