In vitro alteration of artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua L during treatment with methyl jasmonate

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua. Method: The effect of two concentrations of MeJA i.e. 2 µm (T2) and 5 µm (T5) on biomass, plant height and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L. was investigated in vitro in MS medium. Results: Plant height (6.5 ± 1.8 cm), biomass (0.18 ± 0.02 g/plant) and artemisinin content (0.035 ± 0.002 % dry weight) were higher in T5 and T2 treatment groups than in non-treated control plants (C). Artemisinin content, biomass and plant height were positively correlated after 2 - 8 days of treatment, but remained unchanged on the 12th day of treatment. Conclusion: The observed effects of exogenous MeJA on the biosynthesis of artemisinin and other secondary metabolites may lead to elucidation of promising targets for further studies on metabolic engineering of Artemisia annua L.