Parameters affecting allicin formation as a secondary metabolite by static cultures of Allium sativum

[Development of allicin in garlic callus as affected by hormone, source of C, and N variation in the media was investigated.] Garlic (Allium sativum L.) bulb explants produced undifferentiated white globular callus when grown on MS medium having 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin (Kn). Such callus when grown on medium having indole-3-yl-acetic acid (IAA) and/or Kn developed into the differentiating callus which had comparatively more allicin than that of undifferentiated callus. Effect of sucrose, NH4+/NO3- ratios and hormone concn. on growth and allicin development in the callus was investigated. There was a significant increase in allicin development in callus when grown for up to 4 wk on medium having: sucrose at 3 and 5% levels; NH4+ and NO3- ratios at 2:1 and 1:1; and Kn alone at a concn. of 0.5 mg l-1, which produced a tenfold increase in allicin content.