The Production of Pyrethrins by Plant Cell and Tissue Cultures of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and Tagetes Species |
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Authors: | Adnane Hitmi Alain Coudret Chantal Barthomeuf |
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Institution: | 1. Laboratoire de Physiologie et Biotechnologies Végétales. Institut Universitaire de Technologies d'Aubière. Université d'Auvergne, 100 rue de l'Egalité, 15000 Aurillac;2. E-mail: hitmi@cicsun.univ-bpclermont.fr;3. Laboratoire de Pharmacognosie et Biotechnologies. Faculté de Pharmacie. Université d'Auvergne, 1, place Henri-Dunant, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 01, France |
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Abstract: | Pyrethrins, the most economically important natural insecticide, comprise a group of six closely related monoterpene esters. The industrial production is based on their extraction from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium (Pyrethrum) capitula. The world production of natural pyrethrins still falls short of global market demand stimulating the research in in vitro production as an alternative to conventional cultivation methods. The different biotechnological alternatives such as callus cultures, shoot and root cultures, plant cell suspension cultures, and bioconversion of precursors by means of enzymatic synthesis or genetically engineered microorganisms, as well as the progress achieved in methods for the identification and quantitation of insecticidal compounds have been reviewed. Although technology for plant cell culture exists, industrial applications have, to date, been limited due to both the low economical viability and technological feasibility at large scale. Bioconversion of readily available precursors looks more attractive, but more research is needed before this technology is used for the industrial production of pyrethrins. |
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Keywords: | cell and organ cultures bioconversions genetic engineering economical viability identification and quantification methods |
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