RAPD markers to evaluate callus tissue of Cereus peruvianus Mill. (Cactaceae) maintained in different growth regulator combinations.

RAPD markers were used to detect DNA polymorphisms in callus tissues maintained at different auxin and cytokinin combinations. There is a higher level of genetic variablity in callus tissue maintained with the highest kinetin versus 2, 4-D concentration. Callus tissues subcultured in a 4.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 4.0 mg/L kinetin combination showed high similarity and can be recommended as more suitable sources for industrial procedures of extraction of natural products such as secondary metabolites since extraction protocols can be easily standardized using genetically uniform materials. The higher genetic diversity in callus tissues of C. peruvianus cultured at 4.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 8.0 mg/L kinetin indicates this tissue as a matrix for in vitro selection of cell lines for higher natural products production. RAPD markers are, therefore, effective tools useful for detecting DNA polymorphism in callus tissue as well as in the DNA identification of callus tissues maintained in different auxin and cytokinin combinations.