Biotechnological production of natural agrochemicals by cell cultures of Dittrichia viscosa

Plant cell and tissue cultures can be used as biofactories of valuable natural compounds for various applications, from the production of food additives to pharmaceuticals, cosmetic ingredients or bio-pesticides. Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter, a plant species widespread in the Mediterranean regions, represents a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds with potential applications in pest management, including insects, diseases, and weeds. With the aim of producing natural agrochemicals, callus cultures of D. viscosa were established by optimizing in vitro growth conditions. Fast-growing cell suspensions were obtained from friable calluses and maintained at controlled temperature and light conditions. At the stationary phase, D. viscosa cells and spent medium were separately collected, lyophilised and extracted using organic solvents. Phytotoxic and moderate fungicide activities of the obtained extracts were observed by using suitable bioassays. The identification and quantification of the bioactive compounds are in progress. From these preliminary results, D. viscosa cell cultures appear to be a promising biotechnological system for the production of natural agrochemicals.