Performance of Artemisia annua L. cultivars in different locations in Argentina

Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide isolated from the herb Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae), is a highly potent antimalarial compound, which is efficient against multidrug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The promotion of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) by the WHO during the past years lead to strong pressure on the world market of artemisinin. In order to assess the potential of this new culture in Argentina, the 'Artemis' cultivar was grown in 2007 and 2008 in four different locations. On one of the sites, 2 new hybrids were tested to assess their potential. The following parameters were recorded during the growing period: plant height, phenology, biomass production, percentage of dry leaves and artemisinin content. The results obtained with the cultivar 'Artemis' showed that the highest yield of biomass reached at the time of harvest was 2.5 t/ha dry leaves. At the harvesting stage, artemisinin contents ranged from 0.77% to 1.12% depending on the location. The two new hybrids tested showed a similar production of leaves, but a significantly higher level of artemisinin than those observed for 'Artemis'. Future trials are planned to optimise the cultivation of annual wormwood in Argentina.