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Improvement of micropropagation and Rosmarinic acid production in Rosmarinus officinalis via nano elicitors 


Citation :- Improvement of micropropagation and Rosmarinic acid production in Rosmarinus officinalis via nano elicitors. Res. Crop. 27: 552-559
LAMYAA HUSSEIN MOUSA MAZENE, KAWTHER HASHIM ABAR ALJASIMEE AND HUSSEIN KHAEIM lamya.hussein@qu.edu.iq
Address : Horticulture Department, College of Agriculture, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah 58002, Iraq
Submitted Date : 27-05-2026
Accepted Date : 21-07-2026

Abstract

Conventional propagation techniques result in low multiplication rates and inconsistent phytochemical profiles; however, plant tissue culture systems utilizing synthetic plant growth regulators can alleviate the impact of secondary metabolites. The study was conducted in 2025–2026, the University of Al-Qadissyiah, Diwanyah, Iraq, in the laboratories to explore the potential of AgNPs and ZnO NPs to improve micropropagation and Rosmarinic Acid (RA) production in Rosmarinus officinalis L. Rosmarinus officinalis shoot tips were grown on MS medium with AgNPs and ZnO NPs at 25, 50, and 100 mg/L and without nanoparticles. After 42 days, shoot proliferation was assessed, followed by in vitro rooting and greenhouse acclimatization. The most effective treatment was 50 mg/L AgNPs, which increased shoot proliferation (6.8 per explant vs. 2.9 in control). Rooting increased from 52% (control) to 88%, and acclimation from 71% to 94%. Additionally, RA concentration increased to 3.9 mg/g DW, three times the control (1.4 mg/g DW). Treatment also enhanced phenolic content. A substantial positive association (r = 0.89) between shoot proliferation and RA concentration suggests morphogenic and secondary metabolic responses improved simultaneously. Nonetheless, 100 mg/L nanoparticles resulted in fewer shoots, increased callus development, and reduced survival. In conclusion, 50 mg/L AgNPs can replace plant growth regulators to improve rosemary micropropagation and phytochemical production in a one-step commercial propagation method.

Keywords

Micropropagation nano-elicitors plant tissue culture Rosmarinic acid Rosmarinus officinalis 


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