Transplanting and harvesting effect on artemisinin biosynthesis and herb yield in Artemisia annua L.

This study evaluates the effect of differential transplantation (5th January, 28th January and 20th February; Ist T, IInd T and IIIrd T, respectively) and harvesting time (after 100 days of transplantation and 126–204 days of age) on artemisinin and herb yield in Artemisia annua in order to optimize field conditions. During the investigation, maximum plant height with branching intensity was observed in the third transplantation. Such a pattern of morphological appearance is classified under oval canopy, and such traits can be useful as visible morphotypic markers. Maximum plants with high artemisinin content were observed in the IInd transplantation. Interestingly, a wide range of artemisinin content (0.1–1 %) was observed in all three populations. Hence, to achieve maximum growth and high artemisinin yield within the shortest possible time, the second transplantation date is recommended for large-scale cultivation.