Somaclonal variation in transformed roots and protoplast-derived hairy root clones of Hyoscyamus muticus

Substantial somaclonal variation in growth rate, morphology, and alkaloid production of Hyoscyamus muticus L. hairy root clones obtained by transformation with four Agrobacterium strains was shown. The hyoscyamine content of the root clones (n = 100) obtained from the same origin varied from 0.03 to 0.59 % of dry weight. The clones produced 25-320 times less scopolamine than hyoscyamine. The best producing root clone was used as a starting material for protoplast isolation. The hyoscyamine content of protoplast-derived hairy root clones (n = 171) ranged from 0.04 to 1.45 % of dry weight. Most clones showed improved alkaloid production in relation to the parent clone, but the mean hyoscyamine content of the clones was the same as that of the parent clone. All the studied hairy root clones showed relatively stable alkaloid production during long-term cultivation. No correlation was found between alkaloid production and growth rate or morphology of the clones.