Initiation and growth of cell lines of Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew)

Conditions have been established for the induction and maintenance of callus cultures of Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew) from bark, stem, and needle tissues. Cultures were established on a modified Gamborg's B5 medium, 1% sucrose, 0.2% casamino acids and 1 mg/L 2,4-D. There was no apparent inhibition of callus induction as a result of taxol concentration in the explant material. Cell lines derived from explants of individual trees were used to investigate growth characteristics. Although none of the cell lines contained taxol, some contained low levels of related taxanes. Variability was observed with each cell line in response to light, and auxin type and concentration. Growth index was most affected by cell line, followed by auxin type and concentration. These culturing methods may be useful for the goal of developing a highproducing cell line applicable for large-scale taxol production.