Production and release of allelopathic compounds by Artemisia hairy root cultures

Many secondary metabolites are produced in hairy roots formed from the infection of Agrobacterium rhizogenes. In the present study hairy roots were produced in two Artemisia species (A. dubia and A. indica), infected by two A. rhizogenes strains (LBA9402 and 8196). The secondary metabolites released to the culture medium were analyzed for allelopathic potential by radish seed assay. Highest seed germination inhibition (36.13%) was observed by culture medium of A. indica hairy roots infected by A. rhizogenes 8196 in half MS medium. Our results show that hairy roots of both Artemisia species exude allelochemicals which can be used as bioherbicides.