Callogenesis, growth and bioactive compounds of kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) callus derived from leaf and stem explants

Differences in plant organs that are used as sources of explants can cause differences in callus growth and synthesized bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to induce calli from different sources of explants and analyze their growth and bioactive compounds in the calli from leaf and stem explants of kaffir lime seedlings. Kaffir lime seeds were germinated until they grew into seedlings. On day 35, the leaves and stems of seedlings were harvested and callus was induced. Results showed that callus initiation time of stem explants was 5.66 days faster than that of leaf explants, which required 12.42 days. The colors of these calli were slightly different. Furthermore, callus fresh weight of leaf explants was less than that of stem explants, and the stationary phase of leaf explant-derived callus was earlier than for those from stem explant. Bioactive compounds detected in calli derived from leaf and stem explants were different. The main compounds found in the leaf explant-derived callus were n-decanoic acid and hexanedioic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) esters, while stem explant-derived callus had n-hexadecanoid acid. The presence of various bioactive compounds in these calli indicates potential for use as a natural medicine. © 2023, Prince of Songkla University. All rights reserved.