Abstract

Transformation of two Artemisia species (Artemisia dubia and Artemisia indica) was carried out by using two Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains LBA 9402 and 8196 for hairy roots production. Induction of hairy roots was higher in both Artemisia species when infected with LBA9402 as compared to 8196. When biomass of roots along with their artemisinin content was evaluated, a significant effect of Agrobacterium strain on fresh weight of roots was observed. While artemisinin content was significantly affected by both plant species as well as Agrobacterium strains used for infection. However roots ofA. dubia infected either with LBA9402 or 8196 produced maximum artemisinin (0.603% and 0.753, respectively). When transformed roots were cultured in liquid medium, highest root fresh weight as well as artemisinin content (3.9 g and 0.042%, respectively) was observed in hairy roots of A. indica induced by Agrobacterium 8196.

Key words: Agrobacterium rhizogenes, hairy roots, transformation, artemisia.