The growth of single roots of Artemisia annua in nutrient mist reactors.

To better characterize the development and growth of hairy roots in a mist-fed root bed, a single root aerosol reactor was developed. Growth kinetics studies were conducted on hairy roots of Artemisia annua as a function of the mist cycle, carrier gas, and nutrient compositions. Sustained rapid growth was only observed when conditioned medium was fed to the roots. The presence of 1% CO(2) in the carrier gas did not enhance the growth kinetics but it did prevent necrosis of the tissue at the highest mist cycle.