A hairy root culture of Lactuca virosa L. (Asternceae) was initiated b
y infection of the leaf explants of the aseptic plants with Agrobacter
ium rhizogenes - strain LBA 9402. One of the obtained clones which sho
wed the most favourable growth rate was used for further investigation
. An influence of different nutrient media and sucrose concentrations
on the biomass accumulation was studied. The most advantageous for the
biomass increment were media: MS and MS containing macronutrients red
uced to half concentration, supplemented with 5% sucrose. A preliminar
y chromatographic analysis of the tissue extract revealed the presence
of sesquiterpene lactones characteristic of the roots of the intact p
lant.