TiO2 nanoparticles and salinity stress in relation to artemisinin production and ADS and DBR2 expression in Artemisia absinthium L.

Abstract Artemisia absinthium L. is an important herb that widely cultivated in different parts of the world for its medicinal properties. The present study evaluated effects four concentrations nanoparticles treatment (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg L-1) NaCl salinity stress 50, 100 150 mM NaCl) their interactions with respect to expression two key genes, i.e. DBR2 ADS, biosynthesis pathway artemisinin A. absinthium. Total RNA was extracted a relative gene analysis carried out using Real-Time PCR. amount also determined by HPLC. All experiments were performed as factorial completely randomized design three replications. results revealed interaction affected expressions these genes significantly. highest levels ADS observed L-1 nanoparticles–treated plants presence lowest 10 under 50 stress. maximum recorded absence minimum salinity-stressed treatment. Moreover, smallest amounts plants. reported from same conditions. In this regard, decreased half containing expression. Meanwhile, no significant correlation between other biosynthetic secondary metabolites appears be very complex dose not directly dependent on expressions.