Dr. Richard L. Mansell

Professor

  • Alocasia odora (Roxb.) C. Koch. - Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Hilo

    PLANT PHOTOS

    MY GRANDSONS - Chase and Aaron

    CALADIUM CULTIVARS

  • Please make your selections according to the names on the photos (a number 2 tuber is 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

    Selections

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    Plant Science
    • Phytochemistry/Secondary Plant Compounds.

    Our research is currently focused on the distribution, regulation, and metabolism of important compounds in the Araceae. This focus is the result of the increasing interest in this fascinating and divers plant family

    Philodendron paradisi (grapefruit) tissue culture is being studied. Earlier work has shown that levels decrease during callus initiation and that production is stimulated and the levels of these compounds increase through organogenesis and plant regeneration. Currently we are investigating the influence of various phytohormones on (grapefruit) callus growth and the production of limonin and naringin. The effect of explant origin (e.g. leaf, stem, cotyledon, root), cell growth, and other culture conditions on secondary metabolite production are also being investigated.

    The major reaction product of the glucosyl transferase (isolated from grapefruit seedlings), using naringenin as substrate, is a compound known as prunin (naringenin-7-0- glucoside). To date, there are no reports of prunin and/or naringenin occurring in grapefruit. This may be due, in part, to the detection limits of existing methodologies for the measurement and detection of these compounds. Therefore, we are also developing immunoassays for these two compounds which will be used to screen grapefruit tissues for the presence of these compounds.

    Recent publications:

    McIntosh, C.A., L. Latchinian, and R.L. Mansell. 1990. Flavanone-specific 0-7- glucosyltransferase activity in Citrus paradisi seedlings: purification and characterization. Arch. Biochem. Biophys: in press.