Content of Phenolic Compounds in Vaccinium corymbosum L. Callus and Cell Suspension Cultures and Influence of Nutrient Medium Carbohydrate Composition on It

In this work, from different parts of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruits, it was obtained callus culture from which it was obtained cell suspension culture. In callus and cell suspension cultures content of phenolic compounds was analyzed in a series of passages, as well as depending on nutrient medium carbohydrate composition. Calluses were obtained from epicarp and pericarp (frequency of callusogenesis did not exceed 30%), and not a single callus was obtained from mesocarp. Content of phenolic compounds in calluses decreased after the first three passages by 2–6 times and then stabilized; on the contrary, suspension cells were characterized by a twofold increase after the first few passages, as well as further stabilization at the level of calluses. The stimulating effect of nutrient medium carbohydrate composition change on phenolic compounds content was more pronounced in relation to suspension cells than to calluses, namely: the increase in content of phenolic compounds in calluses was 1.5 times when using carbohydrates at a concentration of 70 g/L, and in suspension cells it was 1.3–2.5 times when using carbohydrates at concentrations of 50 and 70 g/L. In addition, the stimulating effect of glucose was more pronounced in relation to suspension cells. Nevertheless, content of phenolic compounds in these “fruit” cultures did not exceed the maximum levels, recorded by us for more than a year of their passaging: in calluses it was no more than 170 mg/g dry weight (wt) and in suspension cells it was no more than 110 mg/g dry wt.