Phytochemical Changes in (Withania somnifera) Hairy Roots with Endophytic Fungi

Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant with high pharmaceutical value, whose conventional cultivation is limited by slow growth and low metabolite yield. In this study, hairy root cultures were established using three Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains, among which A۴ exhibited the highest genetic stability and biomass production. Transgenic nature of the roots was confirmed by successful amplification of rol genes. Hairy roots were treated with three endophytic fungal elicitors at different concentrations and time intervals. Fungal elicitation significantly enhanced fresh and dry biomass in a time- and strain-dependent manner. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including CAT, APX, and POD, were markedly increased following elicitor application. Total soluble protein content also showed a significant rise under fungal treatments. Moreover, substantial accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was observed, indicating activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These findings demonstrate that the integration of hairy root culture and endophytic fungal elicitation provides an efficient and sustainable platform for in vitro production of valuable phytochemicals in W. somnifera.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biotic elicitation ، Antioxidant defense enzymes ، Hairy root culture biotechnology ، Plant–microbe interaction