Micropropagation of Artemisia annua via the inflorescence

Abstract

Using nodal explants from inflorescence segments, an efficient protocol has been developed for a cyclic supply of in vitro micropropagated plants of high artemisinin-containing, superior, adult plant selections of Artemisia annua. Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) supplemented with RT vitamins, 1.0 g/l casein hydrolysate and 1.0 mg/l BAP supported the conversion of terminal inflorescence heads into leafy structures with subsequent elongation of axillary shoots under continuous illumination of 3000 to 4000 lux. The regenerated shoots formed roots on MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l IBA. Using the protocol 24 selected genotypes of Artemisia annua were propagated. Cloned plants showed excellent survival and establishment rates in soil under glass house conditions and could be successfully advanced to the field trials. The tissue culture procedure should enable raising nuclear base populations of high artemisinin yielding genotypes of Artemisia annua, selected at an advanced reproductive phase, a time when propagation by conventional horticultural methods becomes limiting.