Effect of Sucrose Excess and Deprivation on the Physiological Responses and Phytochemical Compound Profiles of Kaffir Lime Calli

Background. Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) calli contain compounds with potential uses in biological activities. The synthesis of these compounds can be enhanced by increasing or decreasing the amount of nutrients. Sucrose provides carbon and energy, which are crucial for the proliferation and development of callus tissue. Sucrose excess or deprivation can generate osmotic potential, which affects the synthesis of bioactive compounds. This study aims to analyze the physiological responses and phytochemical compound profiles of kaffir lime calli due to variations in sucrose concentrations. Methods. Calli were induced from seed explants using sucrose concentrations of 30 (S1) and 40 (S3) g/L. At the subculture stage, the callus was transferred to a medium with a regular sucrose concentration of 30 g/L (S1), deprivation sucrose concentration of 20 g/L (S2), and excess sucrose concentration of 40 g/L (S3). Observed parameters included biomass, morphology (color and texture), and bioactive compound profiles. Results. Growth curves indicated that although the groups had the same growth phase patterns, the biomass of G1 calli under the S3–S3 treatment was significantly higher than in other treatments. In addition, the S3–S3 treatment produced the greatest number of compounds, followed by the S1–S2 treatments. This includes the total number of compounds detected by GC-MS and the number of compounds possessing biomedical activities including anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Conclusion. Excess and deprivation of sucrose concentration both have effects on kaffir lime calli. Treatment with excessive sucrose (S3 to S3) results in a rise in G1 callus biomass. Meanwhile, treatment with S3 to S3 and S1 to S2 (regular to deprivation) enhances the synthesis of compounds with biomedical activities. This occurs because sucrose stimulates the synthesis of bioactive compounds by serving osmotic stressor and energy source. © (2025), (Hashemite University). All rights reserved.