Genetic selection and agronomic management enhance the biochemical and mineral quality of Artemisia annua L.: a five-year study in Mediterranean upland conditions

A five-year field study (2019-2023) in the Serranía Conquense (Cuenca, Spain) evaluated how genetic selection and organic management affect the biochemical quality of Artemisia annua L. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content (TPC) increased steadily under cultivation (670→830 µM Trolox g^‑1 DW; 445→555 mg GAE g^‑1 DW), with a strong correlation (R²=0.94). Plants collected from fallow plots in 2023 showed 53-60% lower values, highlighting the importance of agronomic practices.
Proteins remained stable in cultivated plants but showed lower values in fallow plots material, whereas chlorophylls varied seasonally without a clear trend.
Mineral concentrations were maintained under fertilisation but were lower in unmanaged stands.
Phenolic content was the main determinant of antioxidant capacity, while proteins, pigments and minerals reflected management or environmental conditions.
Selecting vigorous, high-antioxidant progenitors, combined with balanced fertilisation and wide spacing, is recommended to stabilise the compositional quality of A. annua grown under Mediterranean organic systems.

International Symposium on Artemisia

I. Colmena, M.D. Raigón

DPPH antioxidant assay, total phenolic content, secondary metabolism, Mediterranean environment, genetic improvement

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1462.5