CIM-Sanjeevani: A high artemisinin yielding population of Artemisia (Artemisia annua)

Abstract

Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae), commonly known as quinghao, is a traditional medicinal herb, native to China and widely grown in Asia and Europe. The biologically active compound artemisinin isolated from the herb of the A. annua is used as an anti-malarial drug. CSIR-CIMAP has now developed genetically improved variety of Artemisia annua with artemisinin content of 1.2%. The new variety CIM-Sanjeevani has been developed using classical breeding method of poly crossing between two existing varieties i.e. Jeevan Raksha and CIM-Arogya followed by population enrichment with desirable genes. Two way selections were practiced, which involves selection for maternal parent and simultaneous rejection of poor pollinators from the population. The plants of variety CIM-Sanjeevani has a yield potential of producing average 50-55 kg of artemisinin from an average dry herb yield of 43 – 45 q/ha in a single harvest. The plants of the variety CIM-Sanjeevani have intermediate morphology between variety Jeevan Raksha and CIM-Arogya. This variety is about 10 days late in flowering as compared to two earlier varieties and therefore also suited for three harvests. This variety will benefit both farmers and industries involved in Artemisia cultivation / business. Industry may have the benefit of reduced cost of production by a margin of 20%.